Is Royston, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.4/100
waterverge.com Royston, GA — Water Quality Report
Royston's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,100 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Royston's water
Royston ranks #142 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Royston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Royston, GA water safe to drink?
Royston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,100 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Royston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Royston's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4579). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Royston'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
Royston's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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.
Where does Royston's water come from?
Royston's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,100 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Royston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Royston'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.
Royston'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 Royston
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Royston, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PHARMA TECH INDUSTRIES ROYSTON, GA30662 | Zinc compounds | 8 | 0.8 mi |
CARRY-ON TRAILER CORP LAVONIA, GA30553 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
FANELLO INDUSTRIES LAVONIA, GA30553 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
FANELLO INDUSTRIES LAVONIA, GA30553 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
MORGAN CONCRETE CO. - LAVONIA LAVONIA, GA30553 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtFranklin County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 41.8% 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
Franklin 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Royston'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. | 1.2 | 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. | 1500.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1500.000 mg/L (1997)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Royston compares by contaminant
Explore where Royston ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Royston's water comes from
Royston's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,100 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Royston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROYSTON | GA1190004 | 2,800 | SW |
| DOUBLE A FARM & LIVESTOCK LLC | GA1950076 | 300 | GW |
How Royston compares
Full Georgia rankings →Royston's score of 82.4/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Royston, GA
Wikipedia →Royston is a city in Franklin, Hart, and Madison counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. The population was 2,649 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Royston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Royston, GA tap water safe to drink?
Royston's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #142 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Royston's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Royston'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 Royston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Royston's water come from?
Royston's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,100 residents.
How does Royston's water compare to other cities?
Royston ranks #142 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 62% of state cities) and #6982 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.