Is Westminster, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.5/100
waterverge.com Westminster, GA — Water Quality Report
Westminster's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,222 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 37 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Westminster's water
Westminster ranks #158 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Westminster 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, Westminster may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Westminster, GA water safe to drink?
Westminster's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,222 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Westminster
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Westminster's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3406). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Westminster's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Westminster's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clarke County has experienced 4 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 Middle Oconee River, North Oconee River.
Where does Westminster's water come from?
Westminster's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,222 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Oconee River (river), North Oconee River (river).
What Westminster residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Westminster'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.
Westminster'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
D3 — extreme droughtOconee 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
Clarke County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Westminster'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.02 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Westminster compares by contaminant
Explore where Westminster ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Westminster's water comes from
Westminster'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 1,222 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Westminster
Westminster is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Westminster
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORT BASS I (SC3750002) | SC3750002 | 681 | GW |
| TIMBER LAKE I (SC3750006) | SC3750006 | 283 | GW |
| PORT BASS II (SC3750012) | SC3750012 | 165 | GW |
| TIMBER LAKE II (SC3750007) | SC3750007 | 93 | GW |
How Westminster compares
Full Georgia rankings →Westminster's score of 81.5/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Westminster, GA
Wikipedia →Athens is a consolidated city-county in the U.S. state of Georgia. Downtown Athens lies about 70 miles (110 km) northeast of downtown Atlanta. The University of Georgia, the state's flagship public university and an R1 research institution, is in Athens and contributed to its initial growth. In 1991, after a vote the preceding year, the original City of Athens abandoned its charter to form a unified government with Clarke County, referred to jointly as Athens–Clarke County, where it is the county seat.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Westminster's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oconee
Frequently asked questions
Is Westminster, GA tap water safe to drink?
Westminster's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #158 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Westminster's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Westminster'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 Westminster?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Westminster's water come from?
Westminster's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,222 residents.
What health violations has Westminster's water system had?
Westminster has 2 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Westminster's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Westminster 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 37 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 Westminster's water compare to other cities?
Westminster ranks #158 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 58% of state cities) and #7454 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.