Is Pine Mountain, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Pine Mountain, GA — Water Quality Report
Pine Mountain's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 6,482 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 132 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pine Mountain's water
Pine Mountain ranks #351 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pine Mountain 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.
The system has seen 44 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pine Mountain, GA water safe to drink?
Pine Mountain's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 6,482 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pine Mountain
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pine Mountain's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3387). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pine Mountain'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
Pine Mountain's water system has 132 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved. 44 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Harris County has experienced 5 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. Local water sources include Mountain Oak Creek.
Where does Pine Mountain's water come from?
Pine Mountain's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 6,482 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mountain Oak Creek (river).
What Pine Mountain residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pine Mountain'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.
Pine Mountain'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 Pine Mountain
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pine Mountain, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 997,710 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KOCH FOODS OF PINE MOUNTAIN VALLEY PINE MOUNTAIN VALLEY, GA31823 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 997,710 | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHarris County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 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
Harris County has experienced 5 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 Pine Mountain'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.88 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pine Mountain compares by contaminant
Explore where Pine Mountain ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pine Mountain's water comes from
Pine Mountain'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 private ownership and serves approximately 6,482 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Pine Mountain
Pine Mountain is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pine Mountain
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALLAWAY GARDENS RESORTS, INC. | GA1450006 | 2,685 | GW |
| PINE MOUNTAIN | GA1450001 | 2,135 | GW |
| PINE MOUNTAIN VALLEY | GA1450005 | 1,209 | GW |
| PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB CHALETS | GA1450009 | 280 | GW |
| CHEROKEE CLUB RESORT | GA2850131 | 108 | GW |
| HARRIS COUNTY WATER WORKS- SKY MEADOWS | GA1450046 | 65 | GWP |
How Pine Mountain compares
Full Georgia rankings →Pine Mountain's score of 43/100 is below the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Pine Mountain, GA
Wikipedia →Pine Mountain is a town in Harris and Meriwether counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 1,216.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pine Mountain's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harris
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine Mountain, GA tap water safe to drink?
Pine Mountain's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #351 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Pine Mountain's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 132 violations are on record.
How is Pine Mountain'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 Pine Mountain?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pine Mountain's water come from?
Pine Mountain's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 6,482 residents.
What health violations has Pine Mountain's water system had?
Pine Mountain has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 45 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pine Mountain's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pine Mountain 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 132 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 Pine Mountain's water compare to other cities?
Pine Mountain ranks #351 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 7% of state cities) and #14666 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.