Is Sea Island, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.9/100
Sea Island, GA — Water Quality Report
Sea Island's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,859 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.9 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 11 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sea Island's water
Sea Island ranks #135 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sea Island 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, Sea Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sea Island, GA water safe to drink?
Sea Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,859 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sea Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sea Island's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sea Island's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sea Island's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Glynn County has experienced 10 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 Brunswick River.
Where does Sea Island's water come from?
Sea Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,859 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Brunswick River (stream).
What Sea Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sea Island'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Sea Island'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtGlynn County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 42.7% 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
Glynn County has experienced 10 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. | 3.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sea Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Sea Island ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sea Island's water comes from
Sea Island'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 1,859 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sea Island
Sea Island is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sea Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEA ISLAND COMPANY | GA1270025 | 1,859 | GW |
How Sea Island compares
Full Georgia rankings →Sea Island's score of 82.9/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Sea Island, GA
Wikipedia →Brunswick is a city in and the county seat of Glynn County in the U.S. state of Georgia. As the primary urban and economic center of the lower southeast portion of Georgia, it is the second-largest urban area on the Georgia coastline after Savannah and contains the Brunswick Old Town Historic District. At the 2020 U.S. census, the population of the city proper was 15,210; the Brunswick metropolitan area's population as of 2020 was 113,495.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sea Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Glynn
Frequently asked questions
Is Sea Island, GA tap water safe to drink?
Sea Island's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #135 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Sea Island's water?
Lead was measured at 3.9 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Sea Island'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 Sea Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sea Island's water come from?
Sea Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,859 residents.
What health violations has Sea Island's water system had?
Sea Island has 3 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sea Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sea Island 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 11 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 Sea Island's water compare to other cities?
Sea Island ranks #135 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 64% of state cities) and #6698 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sea Island's small water system affect quality?
Sea Island's system serves approximately 1,859 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 11 violations on record.