Canton, GA Water Safety: 81/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Canton tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for GA — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Canton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Canton Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0011 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 20% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.97.
Canton's Water Providers
Multiple utilities divide Canton, GA's water service — 3 leading providers among 7 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Canton, Georgia (population ~113,639), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 253,322 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Canton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Canton: B (81/100)
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
Canton water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0011 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): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30114 | B | Cherokee County | 224,427 |
| 30115 | B | Cherokee County | 224,427 |
| 30169 | B | Cherokee County | 224,427 |
All ZIP Codes in Canton
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.
Canton 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
Canton Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Copper plumbing joined with lead solder was standard practice through the mid-1980s — a design choice that federal regulators prohibited in 1986. Canton's residential inventory, centered around a median build year of 2007, is weighted toward the post-prohibition era. That context is relevant because the primary plumbing risk in older homes comes not from the municipal water supply but from what happens as water moves through lead-jointed pipes inside the structure — an exposure pathway that newer homes mostly avoid.
Most homes in Canton were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Canton
Given current Canton valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Canton are relatively low compared to home values. The $667–$2,233 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 100% above the Georgia average.
Canton: 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.
Locally, Canton's indicators line up: aggregate readings pass under the regulatory benchmark and the pre-rule housing footprint at 20% keeps lead in a background position.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Canton: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
21 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Canton, and 67% 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.
Canton has a moderate flood history with 21 FEMA claims averaging $27,334 per payout. 67% 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>$1,400</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 Canton, GA