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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 40 cities in Georgia
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Georgia
65,818 residents
33,438 residents
42,549 residents
68,918 residents
51,683 residents
34,194 residents
42,296 residents
38,358 residents
82,788 residents
498,715 residents
206,922 residents
30,629 residents
41,647 residents
39,252 residents
30,243 residents
157,346 residents
108,080 residents
36,239 residents
22,683 residents
35,065 residents
60,867 residents
37,713 residents
56,666 residents
55,366 residents
35,301 residents
34,650 residents
94,034 residents
25,238 residents
56,481 residents
80,308 residents
127,315 residents
202,081 residents
29,538 residents
43,516 residents
147,780 residents
26,738 residents
25,711 residents
38,633 residents
34,417 residents
22,329 residents
Georgia's water quality reflects the state's diverse geography, from the Appalachian foothills to the coastal plain. Rapid population growth, particularly in metro Atlanta, creates ongoing infrastructure challenges. The state benefits from abundant rainfall but must manage competing demands for surface water resources.
Based on our analysis of 40 cities in Georgia, the average water quality score is 78/100. 10 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Union City with a score of 44/100, while Alpharetta has the most room for improvement at 96/100.
Metro Atlanta relies primarily on Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River. Coastal communities access the Floridan Aquifer. Central Georgia draws from rivers and smaller reservoirs. Private wells serve many rural residents, accessing various aquifer systems depending on location.
These contaminants have been detected in various Georgia water systems
Georgia Environmental Protection Division regulates drinking water. The state has been working to address aging infrastructure in Atlanta and other urban areas. Georgia participates in regional water management agreements for the Chattahoochee and other shared water resources.
Older homes in Atlanta and other urban areas may have lead service lines or lead solder. Coastal areas should be aware of saltwater intrusion potential. Some regions have naturally occurring radium in groundwater. Agricultural areas may have elevated pesticide levels.
Georgia residents in older homes should test for lead and consider certified filters if levels are elevated. Coastal residents should monitor saltwater intrusion and consider reverse osmosis if needed. Stay informed about your water utility's infrastructure plans and water quality reports.
Water quality in Georgia varies by location. Our analysis shows an average score of 78/100 across 40 cities, with 10 cities showing potential concerns. We recommend checking your specific city's water quality report and considering filtration if needed.
The most common water quality concerns in Georgia include disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure), radium (some groundwater). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 10 cities in Georgia showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Georgia are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Georgia water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Georgia. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Georgia city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Union City has the highest water quality score in Georgia at 44/100 (Grade F). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Georgia page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Georgia are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area