Water Quality in Alpharetta, GA: 125 Violations - Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Alpharetta's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
EPA files for Alpharetta, GA document 125 water violations - a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality Map: Alpharetta, GA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Alpharetta
Water quality varies across Alpharetta's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30023 | D | 48 | 25 | 0 | View report → |
| 30004 | D | 51 | 25 | 0 | View report → |
| 30005 | D | 51 | 25 | 0 | View report → |
| 30009 | D | 51 | 25 | 0 | View report → |
| 30022 | D | 51 | 25 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Alpharetta, Georgia receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 7 water systems serving Alpharetta have accumulated 125 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 195,832 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Alpharetta's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Alpharetta water systems is 0.0016 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Alpharetta is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Alpharetta
Alpharetta is served by 7 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 195,832 people across 5 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 50 enforcement actions against water systems serving Alpharetta. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Alpharetta
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Alpharetta Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Alpharetta's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 40 | 5 | No |
| Arsenic | Inorganic | 0.01 mg/L | 15 | 5 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 5 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 5 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Alpharetta. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-01 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-24 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-03.
Alpharetta vs. Nearby Georgia Cities
How Alpharetta's water quality compares to similar cities in Georgia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpharetta | D | 125 | 7 | 195,832 |
| Cumming | B | 9 | 7 | 191,371 |
| Augusta | B | 225 | 8 | 200,986 |
| Columbus | A | 0 | 1 | 181,152 |
Recommended Water Filters for Alpharetta
Based on contaminants detected in Alpharetta's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: Haloacetic Acid HAA5
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Trihalomethane TTHM
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Alpharetta
Water quality varies across Alpharetta's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30023 | 48 | D | 25 | 0 |
| 30004 | 51 | D | 25 | 0 |
| 30005 | 51 | D | 25 | 0 |
| 30009 | 51 | D | 25 | 0 |
| 30022 | 51 | D | 25 | 0 |
Common Questions About Alpharetta Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Alpharetta, Georgia:
Is Alpharetta water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Alpharetta's 7 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Alpharetta tap water? Alpharetta's water receives a grade of D (50/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Alpharetta? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, under-sink or whole-house) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Alpharetta vs. Georgia Average
Understanding how Alpharetta compares to the broader Georgia average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Alpharetta.
ZIP Codes in Alpharetta
Alpharetta spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 30004. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.