Is Pavo, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.1/100
waterverge.com Pavo, GA — Water Quality Report
Pavo's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 815 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.7 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 35 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pavo's water
Pavo ranks #160 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pavo 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Pavo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pavo, GA water safe to drink?
Pavo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 815 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pavo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pavo's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4738). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pavo's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Pavo's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Brooks County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Pavo's water come from?
Pavo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 815 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Pavo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pavo'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Pavo'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtThomas County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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
Brooks County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pavo'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. | 6.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pavo compares by contaminant
Explore where Pavo ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pavo's water comes from
Pavo'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 815 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Pavo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAVO | GA2750004 | 815 | GW |
How Pavo compares
Full Georgia rankings →Pavo's score of 81.1/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Pavo, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pavo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Thomas
Frequently asked questions
Is Pavo, GA tap water safe to drink?
Pavo's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #160 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Pavo's water?
Lead was measured at 6.7 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Pavo'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 Pavo?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pavo's water come from?
Pavo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 815 residents.
Is Pavo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pavo 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 35 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 Pavo's water compare to other cities?
Pavo ranks #160 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 58% of state cities) and #7602 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pavo's small water system affect quality?
Pavo's system serves approximately 815 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 35 violations on record.