Is Whitesburg, 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 ↓
77.4/100
waterverge.com Whitesburg, GA — Water Quality Report
Whitesburg's drinking water received a grade of B (77.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 931 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.7 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 17 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whitesburg's water
Whitesburg ranks #206 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below 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.
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, Whitesburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitesburg, GA water safe to drink?
Whitesburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 931 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Whitesburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitesburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Whitesburg's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Whitesburg's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carroll 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 Snake Crk Ds Snake Crk Reservior Nr Whitesburg, Snake Creek, Chattahoochee River.
Where does Whitesburg's water come from?
Whitesburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 931 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Snake Crk Ds Snake Crk Reservior Nr Whitesburg (river), Snake Creek (river), Chattahoochee River (river).
What Whitesburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Whitesburg'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.
Whitesburg'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 Whitesburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitesburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BONNELL ALUMINUM INC. NEWNAN, GA30263 | Lead | 3 | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCarroll 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
Carroll 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Whitesburg'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. | 5.7 | 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. | 2.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Whitesburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitesburg ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitesburg's water comes from
Whitesburg'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 931 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Whitesburg
Whitesburg is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Whitesburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITESBURG | GA0450007 | 931 | SWP |
How Whitesburg compares
Full Georgia rankings →Whitesburg's score of 77.4/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Whitesburg, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitesburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carroll
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitesburg, GA tap water safe to drink?
Whitesburg's water quality earned a grade of B (77.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #206 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Whitesburg's water?
Lead was measured at 5.7 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Whitesburg'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 Whitesburg?
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 Whitesburg's water come from?
Whitesburg's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 931 residents.
How does Whitesburg's water compare to other cities?
Whitesburg ranks #206 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 46% of state cities) and #9011 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Whitesburg's small water system affect quality?
Whitesburg's system serves approximately 931 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 17 violations on record.