WaterVerge

Is Zebulon, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

6K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: GA2310004
Overall Score
86.2 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#81 of 378 in Georgia Top 31% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.2/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.2/100

Zebulon, GA — Water Quality Report

Zebulon's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,487 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 15 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Zebulon's water

Zebulon ranks #81 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above 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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.2 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Zebulon, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Zebulon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,487 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

8
Active Violations
1.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Zebulon

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Zebulon's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE IRMA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Zebulon's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Zebulon's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONOther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2023 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2023 TTHM Resolved
Feb 2019 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jul 2013 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2013 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Pike County has experienced 6 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 Flint River, Potato Creek.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4830
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4338
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3387

Where does Zebulon's water come from?

Zebulon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 6,487 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Flint River (river), Potato Creek (river).

What Zebulon residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Zebulon's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Zebulon'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

15
Total violations
0
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Oct 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

15 Total
8 Active
0 Health-based
7 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
6
Total Coliform Rule
4
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 1999 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2023 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Oct 2023 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Feb 2019 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2019
Apr 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2005
Jun 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2000
Oct 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 1999
Feb 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 1995
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Zebulon

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Zebulon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CONTINENTAL TIRE THE AMERICAS LLC/ALDORA PLANT
Textile Product · CONTINENTAL TIRE HOLDING US LLC
BARNESVILLE, GA30204
9.7 mi
GRAIN CRAFT - BARNESVILLE
Food · GRAIN CRAFT LLC
BARNESVILLE, GA30204
8.2 mi
BERRY GLOBAL FILMS LLC
Plastics and Rubber · BERRY GLOBAL INC
GRIFFIN, GA30224
9.1 mi
HM SOUTHEAST CONCRETE LLC - GRIFFIN PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · HEIDELBERG MATERIALS US INC
GRIFFIN, GA30224
7.4 mi
WABASH NATIONAL L.P.
Transportation Equipment · WABASH NATIONAL CORP
GRIFFIN, GA30224
9.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Pike 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.

13
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
23.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
13
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Pike County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4830
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3218
Sep 2004
TROPICAL STORM FRANCES
Hurricane FEMA #1560
Sep 2004
HURRICANE IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1554

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.9 ppb from 2002 (2.5 ppb) to 2025 (1.6 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
6,487
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Zebulon's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Zebulon'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 6,487 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Zebulon

Zebulon is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Flint River
river
Potato Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Zebulon

System Name PWSID Population Source
ZEBULON GA2310004 5,407 SWP
PIKE CO - RURAL DELVELOPMENT DIVISION GA2310027 1,080 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Zebulon compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Zebulon's score of 86.2/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Zebulon (this city)
86.2
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Zebulon, GA

Economic Profile
$43,456
Median Income
$159,725
Median Home Value
$868/mo
Median Rent
8%
Unemployment
Community
37.4
Median Age
133
People / sq mi
15.8%
College Educated
49.9%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Zebulon, GA tap water safe to drink?

Zebulon's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #81 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Zebulon's water?

Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.

How is Zebulon'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 Zebulon?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Zebulon's water come from?

Zebulon's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 6,487 residents.

How does Zebulon's water compare to other cities?

Zebulon ranks #81 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 79% of state cities) and #4838 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.