Is Plains, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Plains, GA — Water Quality Report
Plains's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 942 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 32 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Plains's water
Plains ranks #93 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Plains 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, Plains may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Plains, GA water safe to drink?
Plains's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 942 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Plains
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Plains's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4400). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3406). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Plains's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Plains's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sumter County has experienced 6 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 Muckalee Creek.
Where does Plains's water come from?
Plains's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 942 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Muckalee Creek (river).
What Plains residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Plains'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.
Plains'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 Plains
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Plains, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7,310 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RAINBOW FERTILIZER LLC AMERICUS, GA31709 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 7,310 | 9.5 mi |
INTERFOR US INC PRESTON, GA31824 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSumter 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
Sumter County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Plains compares by contaminant
Explore where Plains ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Plains's water comes from
Plains'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 942 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Plains
Plains is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Plains
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAINS | GA2610004 | 942 | GW |
How Plains compares
Full Georgia rankings →Plains's score of 85.6/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Plains, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Plains's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sumter
Frequently asked questions
Is Plains, GA tap water safe to drink?
Plains's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #93 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Plains's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Plains'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 Plains?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Plains's water come from?
Plains's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 942 residents.
What health violations has Plains's water system had?
Plains has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Plains's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Plains 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 32 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 Plains's water compare to other cities?
Plains ranks #93 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 75% of state cities) and #5231 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Plains's small water system affect quality?
Plains's system serves approximately 942 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 32 violations on record.