Is Ray City, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.1/100
waterverge.com Ray City, GA — Water Quality Report
Ray City's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,345 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 38 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ray City's water
Ray City ranks #39 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Ray City 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, Ray City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ray City, GA water safe to drink?
Ray City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,345 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ray City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ray City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.1/100).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ray City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ray City's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Berrien 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. Local water sources include Withlacoochee R.
Where does Ray City's water come from?
Ray City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,345 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Withlacoochee R (river).
What Ray City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ray City'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.
Ray City'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 Ray City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ray City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHAPARRAL BOATS INC NASHVILLE, GA31639 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
U.S. DOD USAF MOODY AFB SMALL ARMS & GRAND BAY RANGES MOODY AFB, GA31699 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtBerrien 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
Berrien 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.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ray City compares by contaminant
Explore where Ray City ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ray City's water comes from
Ray City'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 1,345 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ray City
Ray City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ray City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAY CITY | GA0190003 | 1,345 | GW |
How Ray City compares
Full Georgia rankings →Ray City's score of 89.1/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Ray City, GA
Wikipedia →Ray City is a city in Berrien County and Lanier County, Georgia, United States. The population was 956 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ray City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berrien
Frequently asked questions
Is Ray City, GA tap water safe to drink?
Ray City's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #39 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Ray City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Ray City'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 Ray City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ray City's water come from?
Ray City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,345 residents.
What health violations has Ray City's water system had?
Ray City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ray City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ray City 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 38 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 Ray City's water compare to other cities?
Ray City ranks #39 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 90% of state cities) and #3037 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ray City's small water system affect quality?
Ray City's system serves approximately 1,345 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 38 violations on record.