Is Summerville, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Summerville, GA — Water Quality Report
Summerville's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 9,993 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 14 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Summerville's water
Summerville ranks #87 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.33 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Summerville, GA water safe to drink?
Summerville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 9,993 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Summerville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Summerville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3387). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Summerville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Summerville's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chattooga County has experienced 3 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. Local water sources include Heath Creek, Chattooga River.
Where does Summerville's water come from?
Summerville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 9,993 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Heath Creek (river), Chattooga River (river).
What Summerville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Summerville'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.
Summerville'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 Summerville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Summerville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
S.I. STOREY LUMBER CO INC. ARMUCHEE, GA30105 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
MOUNT VERNON MILLS INC APPAREL FABRICS DIV TRION, GA30753 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtChattooga 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.
Flood & disaster history
Chattooga County has experienced 3 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Summerville compares by contaminant
Explore where Summerville ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Summerville's water comes from
Summerville'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 9,993 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Summerville
Summerville is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Summerville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUMMERVILLE | GA0550003 | 9,993 | SW |
How Summerville compares
Full Georgia rankings →Summerville's score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Summerville, GA
Wikipedia →Summerville is a city and the county seat of Chattooga County, Georgia, United States. The population was 4,435 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Summerville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chattooga
Frequently asked questions
Is Summerville, GA tap water safe to drink?
Summerville's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #87 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Summerville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Summerville'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 Summerville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Summerville's water come from?
Summerville's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 9,993 residents.
What health violations has Summerville's water system had?
Summerville has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Summerville's water compare to other cities?
Summerville ranks #87 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 77% of state cities) and #5017 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.