Is Willacoochee, 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 ↓
53.8/100
waterverge.com Willacoochee, GA — Water Quality Report
Willacoochee's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,723 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 23.0 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 26 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Willacoochee's water
Willacoochee ranks #312 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Willacoochee 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, Willacoochee may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Willacoochee, GA water safe to drink?
Willacoochee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,723 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Willacoochee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Willacoochee's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.8/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Uranium, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
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 Willacoochee's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Willacoochee's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Atkinson County has experienced 9 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 Alapaha River.
Where does Willacoochee's water come from?
Willacoochee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,723 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Alapaha River (river).
What Willacoochee residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Willacoochee'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.
Willacoochee'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 Willacoochee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Willacoochee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LANGBOARD MDF WILLACOOCHEE, GA31650 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtAtkinson County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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
Atkinson County has experienced 9 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 Willacoochee'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. | 23.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Willacoochee compares by contaminant
Explore where Willacoochee ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Willacoochee's water comes from
Willacoochee'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 1,723 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Willacoochee
Willacoochee is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Willacoochee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLACOOCHEE WATER SYSTEM | GA0030001 | 1,723 | GW |
How Willacoochee compares
Full Georgia rankings →Willacoochee's score of 53.8/100 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 Willacoochee, GA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Willacoochee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Atkinson
Frequently asked questions
Is Willacoochee, GA tap water safe to drink?
Willacoochee's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #312 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Willacoochee's water?
Lead was measured at 23.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Willacoochee'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 Willacoochee?
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 Willacoochee's water come from?
Willacoochee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,723 residents.
What health violations has Willacoochee's water system had?
Willacoochee has 11 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Willacoochee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Willacoochee 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 26 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 Willacoochee's water compare to other cities?
Willacoochee ranks #312 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 17% of state cities) and #12658 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Willacoochee's small water system affect quality?
Willacoochee's system serves approximately 1,723 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 26 violations on record.