Is Waleska, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.8/100
waterverge.com Waleska, GA — Water Quality Report
Waleska's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 9,328 residents using groundwater.
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 40 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waleska's water
Waleska ranks #259 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Waleska 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.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waleska, GA water safe to drink?
Waleska's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 9,328 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waleska
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waleska's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4579). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Waleska's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Waleska's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cherokee County has experienced 5 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 Sharp Mtn Creek, Hickory Log Creek, Etowah River Downstream Of I-575,, Etowah River, Shoal Creek.
Where does Waleska's water come from?
Waleska's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 9,328 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sharp Mtn Creek (river), Hickory Log Creek (river), Etowah River Downstream Of I-575, (river), Etowah River (river), Shoal Creek (river).
What Waleska residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Waleska'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.
Waleska'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 Waleska
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waleska, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CAIRE INC BALL GROUND, GA30107 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
MEYN AMERICA LLC BALL GROUND, GA30107 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
UNIVERSAL ALLOY CORP BALL GROUND, GA30107 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
ARGOS CANTON CONCRETE PLANT CANTON, GA30115 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
CHART INC BALL GROUND, GA30107 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCherokee 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
Cherokee County has experienced 5 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Waleska compares by contaminant
Explore where Waleska ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waleska's water comes from
Waleska'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 9,328 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Waleska
Waleska is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Waleska
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION | GA0570006 | 4,671 | GW |
| WALESKA | GA0570024 | 4,657 | SWP |
How Waleska compares
Full Georgia rankings →Waleska's score of 71.8/100 is above 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 Waleska, GA
Wikipedia →Waleska is a city in Cherokee County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Waleska had a population of 921.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waleska's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cherokee
Frequently asked questions
Is Waleska, GA tap water safe to drink?
Waleska's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #259 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Waleska's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Waleska'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 Waleska?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waleska's water come from?
Waleska's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 9,328 residents.
What health violations has Waleska's water system had?
Waleska has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Waleska's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waleska 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 40 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 Waleska's water compare to other cities?
Waleska ranks #259 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 31% of state cities) and #10480 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.