Is Uvalda, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46.9/100
waterverge.com Uvalda, GA — Water Quality Report
Uvalda's drinking water received a grade of D (46.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 922 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 165.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 85 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Uvalda's water
Uvalda ranks #334 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Uvalda 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Uvalda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Uvalda, GA water safe to drink?
Uvalda's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 922 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Uvalda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Uvalda's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Uvalda's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Uvalda's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 29 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 8 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 Altamaha River.
Where does Uvalda's water come from?
Uvalda's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 922 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Altamaha River (river).
What Uvalda residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Uvalda'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.
Uvalda'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 Uvalda
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Uvalda, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 733 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BEASLEY FOREST PRODUCTS INC. HAZLEHURST, GA31539 | Methanol | 733 | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtMontgomery County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 69.7% 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
Montgomery County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Uvalda's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 165.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Uvalda compares by contaminant
Explore where Uvalda ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Uvalda's water comes from
Uvalda'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 922 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Uvalda
Uvalda is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Uvalda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UVALDA | GA2090005 | 747 | GW |
| HILLDALE WATER SYSTEM | GA2790034 | 88 | GW |
| CHARLOTTE WATER ASSOCIATION | GA2090002 | 87 | GW |
How Uvalda compares
Full Georgia rankings →Uvalda's score of 46.9/100 is below the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Uvalda, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Uvalda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is Uvalda, GA tap water safe to drink?
Uvalda's water quality earned a grade of D (46.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #334 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Uvalda's water?
Lead was measured at 165.0 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.
How is Uvalda'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 Uvalda?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Uvalda's water come from?
Uvalda's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 922 residents.
What health violations has Uvalda's water system had?
Uvalda has 1 health-based violation 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. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Uvalda's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Uvalda 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 85 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 Uvalda's water compare to other cities?
Uvalda ranks #334 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 12% of state cities) and #13819 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.