Water Quality in Augusta, GA: 225 Violations - Grade B
Grade B · Score 75/100 · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Augusta's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
EPA files for Augusta, GA document 225 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: Augusta, GA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Augusta
Water quality varies across Augusta's 15 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30909 | C | 61 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30904 | C | 66 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30906 | C | 66 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30901 | B | 71 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30903 | B | 76 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30905 | B | 76 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30911 | B | 76 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30912 | B | 76 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30913 | B | 76 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30914 | B | 76 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30916 | B | 76 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30919 | B | 76 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30999 | B | 76 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30907 | B | 78 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
| 30917 | A | 92 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Augusta.
Water Quality Overview
Augusta, Georgia receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 75 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 8 water systems serving Augusta have accumulated 225 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 15 ZIP codes serving approximately 200,986 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Augusta's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Augusta water systems is 0.0014 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 66% of homes built before 1986, Augusta has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Augusta is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Augusta
Augusta is served by 8 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 200,986 people across 15 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 150 enforcement actions against water systems serving Augusta. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Augusta
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 Augusta Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Augusta's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 75 | 15 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 45 | 15 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 15 | 15 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 15 | 15 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Augusta:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have decreased from 4 in 2024 to 2 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 19 enforcement actions against water systems serving Augusta. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-28 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-29.
Augusta vs. Nearby Georgia Cities
How Augusta's water quality compares to similar cities in Georgia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta | B | 225 | 8 | 200,986 |
| Alpharetta | D | 125 | 7 | 195,832 |
| Cumming | B | 9 | 7 | 191,371 |
| Columbus | A | 0 | 1 | 181,152 |
Recommended Water Filters for Augusta
Based on contaminants detected in Augusta'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:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chlorine
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Augusta
Water quality varies across Augusta's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30909 | 61 | C | 15 | 0 |
| 30904 | 66 | C | 15 | 0 |
| 30906 | 66 | C | 15 | 0 |
| 30901 | 71 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30903 | 76 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30905 | 76 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30911 | 76 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30912 | 76 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30913 | 76 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30914 | 76 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30917 | 92 | A | 15 | 0 |
| 30907 | 78 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30999 | 76 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30919 | 76 | B | 15 | 0 |
| 30916 | 76 | B | 15 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Augusta range from 61 to 92 - a spread of 31 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Augusta Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Augusta, Georgia:
Is Augusta water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Augusta's 8 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Augusta tap water? Augusta's water receives a grade of B (75/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Augusta? 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.
Augusta vs. Georgia Average
Understanding how Augusta 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 Augusta.
ZIP Codes in Augusta
Augusta spans 15 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 30901. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe - Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.