Is Rock Spring, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Rock Spring, GA — Water Quality Report
Rock Spring's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,410 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 12 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rock Spring's water
Rock Spring ranks #43 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Rock Spring 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rock Spring, GA water safe to drink?
Rock Spring's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,410 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rock Spring
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rock Spring's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
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.
Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Combined Uranium, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rock Spring's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rock Spring's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Clayton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 South River, Doolittle Creek, Shoal Creek, Cobbs Creek, Snapfinger Creek.
Where does Rock Spring's water come from?
Rock Spring's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,410 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South River (river), Doolittle Creek (river), Shoal Creek (river), Cobbs Creek (river), Snapfinger Creek (river).
What Rock Spring residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rock Spring'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.
Rock Spring'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 Rock Spring
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rock Spring, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROPER CORP LA FAYETTE, GA30728 | Lead | 0 | 9.5 mi |
PROWOOD LLC RINGGOLD RINGGOLD, GA30736 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
PENN COLOR RINGGOLD RINGGOLD, GA30736 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
SHAW IND INC PLANT RP RINGGOLD, GA30736 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Rock Spring
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MATHIS BROTHERS LANDFILL SOUTH MARBLE TOP ROAD8.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWalker 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
Clayton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rock Spring compares by contaminant
Explore where Rock Spring ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rock Spring's water comes from
Rock Spring'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 3,410 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rock Spring
Rock Spring is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rock Spring
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WALKER CO. RURAL WATER AUTH. | GA2950014 | 3,410 | GW |
How Rock Spring compares
Full Georgia rankings →Rock Spring's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Rock Spring, GA
Wikipedia →Rock Spring is an unincorporated community and census-designated place located in northwest Georgia, United States, approximately 14 miles (23 km) south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is in Walker County which resides in Georgia's 14th congressional district. Rock Spring is included in the Chattanooga, TN-GA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rock Spring's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Walker
Frequently asked questions
Is Rock Spring, GA tap water safe to drink?
Rock Spring's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #43 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Rock Spring's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Rock Spring'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 Rock Spring?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rock Spring's water come from?
Rock Spring's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,410 residents.
What health violations has Rock Spring's water system had?
Rock Spring has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rock Spring's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rock Spring 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 12 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 Rock Spring's water compare to other cities?
Rock Spring ranks #43 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 89% of state cities) and #3288 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.