Athens, GA: 30 Health Violations — 79/100 (2026)
10 ZIP codes · 10 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Athens by GA authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Athens Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Athens, GA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Athens's 10 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Athens Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 60 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0035 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,720 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.24.
Athens's Water Providers
Multiple utilities divide Athens, GA's water service — 3 leading providers among 10 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 10 ZIP codes in Athens, Georgia (population ~130,330), covering 10 community water systems serving approximately 208,011 people region-wide.
10 of 10 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 30 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Athens: B (79/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Athens water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0035 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 10 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 33 | 10 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 11 | 10 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 11 | 10 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 11 | 10 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30601 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
| 30602 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
| 30603 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
| 30604 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
| 30605 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
| 30606 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
| 30607 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
| 30608 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
| 30609 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
| 30612 | B | 6 | 3 | Athens-clarke Company Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Athens
- 30601 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
- 30602 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
- 30603 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
- 30604 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
- 30605 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
- 30606 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
- 30607 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
- 30608 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
- 30609 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
- 30612 [B] — 6 violations ⚠
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
Updated daily.
Athens Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Athens's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Athens
Equity impact data for Athens lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Athens are relatively low compared to home values. The $780–$3,340 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 27% above the Georgia average.
Athens: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Athens appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Athens: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
36 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Athens, and 50% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Athens has a moderate flood history with 36 FEMA claims averaging $9,991 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,720</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Athens, GA