Is Sale City, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.3/100
waterverge.com Sale City, GA — Water Quality Report
Sale City's drinking water received a grade of B (77.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 575 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 37 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sale City's water
Sale City ranks #208 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sale 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, Sale City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sale City, GA water safe to drink?
Sale City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 575 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sale City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sale City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4400). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sale City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sale City's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mitchell County has experienced 6 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.
Where does Sale City's water come from?
Sale City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 575 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sale City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sale 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.
Sale 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 Sale City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sale City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EARTHMAN GEORGIA LLC BACONTON, GA31716 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtMitchell 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
Mitchell County has experienced 6 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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sale City compares by contaminant
Explore where Sale City ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sale City's water comes from
Sale 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 575 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sale City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALE CITY | GA2050004 | 518 | GW |
| HINSONTON WATER ASSOCIATION | GA2050002 | 57 | GW |
How Sale City compares
Full Georgia rankings →Sale City's score of 77.3/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Sale City, GA
Wikipedia →Sale City is a town in Mitchell County, Georgia, United States. The population was 354 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sale City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mitchell
Frequently asked questions
Is Sale City, GA tap water safe to drink?
Sale City's water quality earned a grade of B (77.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #208 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Sale City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Sale 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 Sale City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sale City's water come from?
Sale City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 575 residents.
What health violations has Sale City's water system had?
Sale City has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sale City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sale 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 37 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 Sale City's water compare to other cities?
Sale City ranks #208 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 45% of state cities) and #9052 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.