Is Sautee, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Sautee, GA — Water Quality Report
Sautee's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,457 residents using groundwater.
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 55 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sautee's water
Sautee ranks #128 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sautee 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, Sautee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sautee, GA water safe to drink?
Sautee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,457 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sautee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sautee's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sautee's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sautee's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Sautee's water come from?
Sautee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,457 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sautee residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sautee'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWhite 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sautee compares by contaminant
Explore where Sautee ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sautee's water comes from
Sautee'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,457 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Sautee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKYLAKE | GA3110005 | 1,173 | GW |
| MT. YONAH SCENIC ESTATES | GA3110010 | 198 | SWP |
| SKY MOUNTAIN ESTATES S/D, HOA | GA3110090 | 86 | GW |
How Sautee compares
Full Georgia rankings →Sautee's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Sautee, GA
Wikipedia →Sautee Nacoochee is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in White County, Georgia, United States, near Sautee Creek in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Georgia, approximately 95 miles (153 km) north of Atlanta. The nearest incorporated town is the tourist destination of Helen.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sautee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across White
Frequently asked questions
Is Sautee, GA tap water safe to drink?
Sautee's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #128 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Sautee's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Sautee'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 Sautee?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sautee's water come from?
Sautee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,457 residents.
What health violations has Sautee's water system had?
Sautee has 15 health-based violations 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sautee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sautee 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 55 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 Sautee's water compare to other cities?
Sautee ranks #128 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 66% of state cities) and #6407 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.