Is Portal, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.3/100
waterverge.com Portal, GA — Water Quality Report
Portal's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 879 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 29 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Portal's water
Portal ranks #258 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Portal 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.22 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Portal may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Portal, GA water safe to drink?
Portal's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 879 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Portal
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Portal's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Portal's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Portal's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 16 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bulloch County has experienced 9 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 Ogeechee River.
Where does Portal's water come from?
Portal's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 879 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ogeechee River (river).
What Portal residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Portal'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.
Portal'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 droughtBulloch County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 97.0% 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
Bulloch County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Portal compares by contaminant
Explore where Portal ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Portal's water comes from
Portal'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 879 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Portal
Portal is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Portal
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORTAL WATER SYSTEM | GA0310002 | 879 | GW |
How Portal compares
Full Georgia rankings →Portal's score of 72.3/100 is above 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 Portal, GA
Wikipedia →Portal is a town in Bulloch County, Georgia, United States. The population was 638 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Portal's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bulloch
Frequently asked questions
Is Portal, GA tap water safe to drink?
Portal's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #258 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Portal's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Portal'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 Portal?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Portal's water come from?
Portal's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 879 residents.
What health violations has Portal's water system had?
Portal has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Portal's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Portal 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 29 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 Portal's water compare to other cities?
Portal ranks #258 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 32% of state cities) and #10397 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Portal's small water system affect quality?
Portal's system serves approximately 879 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 29 violations on record.