WaterVerge

Is Soperton, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: GA2830000
Overall Score
88.6 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#45 of 378 in Georgia Top 21% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.6/100
waterverge.com
A- 88.6/100

Soperton, GA — Water Quality Report

Soperton's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,115 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 11.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 7 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Soperton's water

Soperton ranks #45 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Soperton 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.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

As a small community water system, Soperton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.6 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.1/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
13/20
C
Lead at 11.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.5/20
A
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Soperton, GA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Soperton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,115 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
11.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Soperton

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Soperton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE MICHAEL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3406). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Soperton's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 11.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Violation history

Soperton's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MCLMROther
Most recent violations:
Jun 2012 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Apr 2012 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Oct 2009 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Mar 2003 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2001 Consumer Confidence Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Butts 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. Local water sources include Ocmulgee River.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4830
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-3406
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4338

Where does Soperton's water come from?

Soperton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,115 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ocmulgee River (river).

What Soperton residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Soperton'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Near Limit
11.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 74% of limit
Near LimitFilter: NSF-53
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
594.7 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 40% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
0.21 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 1% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Detected
78.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · 37% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Compliance Record

Violation summary

7
Total violations
3
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jun 2012
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

7 Total
1 Active
3 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jun 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2012
Apr 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Apr 2012
Oct 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2009
Mar 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2003
Jul 2001 Resolved
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation Resolved Aug 2001
Oct 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1999
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Treutlen 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
15.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Butts 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.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4830
Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #3406
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3218
Sep 2004
TROPICAL STORM FRANCES
Hurricane FEMA #1560

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Soperton's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 11.1 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 11.1 15 ppb Inorganic Near Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 6.9 ppb from 2003 (4.2 ppb) to 2025 (11.1 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,115
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Soperton's water comes from

Groundwater

Soperton'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 3,115 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Soperton

Soperton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Ocmulgee River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Soperton

System Name PWSID Population Source
SOPERTON GA2830000 3,115 GW
Regional Comparison

How Soperton compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Soperton's score of 88.6/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Soperton (this city)
88.6
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Soperton, GA

Wikipedia →

Jackson is a city in and the county seat of Butts County, Georgia, United States. Its population was 5,045 in 2010, up from 3,934 at the 2000 census. In 2020, its population was 5,557. The community was named after the Governor James Jackson.

Economic Profile
$28,607
Median Income
$581/mo
Median Rent
15.9%
Unemployment
Community
40.6
Median Age
255
People / sq mi
11.7%
College Educated
45.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Soperton, GA tap water safe to drink?

Soperton's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #45 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Soperton's water?

Lead was measured at 11.1 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.

How is Soperton'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 Soperton?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Soperton's water come from?

Soperton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,115 residents.

What health violations has Soperton's water system had?

Soperton has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Soperton's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Soperton 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 7 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 Soperton's water compare to other cities?

Soperton ranks #45 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 88% of state cities) and #3350 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.

Does Soperton's small water system affect quality?

Soperton's system serves approximately 3,115 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 7 violations on record.