Is Nicholson, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.8/100
waterverge.com Nicholson, GA — Water Quality Report
Nicholson's drinking water received a grade of B (78.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,218 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 22 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nicholson's water
Nicholson ranks #196 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Nicholson relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Nicholson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nicholson, GA water safe to drink?
Nicholson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,218 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nicholson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nicholson's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.8/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nicholson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Nicholson's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Middle Oconee River, North Oconee R, Parks Creek, North Oconee River.
Where does Nicholson's water come from?
Nicholson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,218 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Oconee River (river), North Oconee R (river), Parks Creek (river), North Oconee River (river).
What Nicholson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nicholson's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Nicholson's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Nicholson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Nicholson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 750 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ENCHEM AMERICA INC. COMMERCE, GA30530 | N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone | 750 | 4.1 mi |
HUBER ENGINEERED WOODS LLC COMMERCE, GA30530 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
SK BATTERY AMERICA INC. COMMERCE, GA30529 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
H. WILSON MANUFACTURING CO. INC. JEFFERSON, GA30549 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
DAHLBERG ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT NICHOLSON, GA30565 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtJackson County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 1.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Jackson County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Nicholson's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.700 mg/L (2009)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Nicholson compares by contaminant
Explore where Nicholson ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nicholson's water comes from
Nicholson's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,218 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Nicholson
Nicholson is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nicholson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NICHOLSON WATER AUTHORITY | GA1570004 | 3,218 | GW |
How Nicholson compares
Full Georgia rankings →Nicholson's score of 78.8/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Nicholson, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nicholson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Nicholson, GA tap water safe to drink?
Nicholson's water quality earned a grade of B (78.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #196 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Nicholson's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Nicholson's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Nicholson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nicholson's water come from?
Nicholson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,218 residents.
What health violations has Nicholson's water system had?
Nicholson has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nicholson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nicholson uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 22 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Nicholson's water compare to other cities?
Nicholson ranks #196 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 48% of state cities) and #8513 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nicholson's small water system affect quality?
Nicholson's system serves approximately 3,218 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 22 violations on record.