Water Quality in Ellijay, GA: 18 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 67/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Ellijay's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Ellijay, GA document 18 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 by ZIP Code in Ellijay
Water quality varies across Ellijay's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30536 | C | 67 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
| 30540 | C | 67 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Ellijay, Georgia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 67 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Ellijay have accumulated 18 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 16,118 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Ellijay's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Ellijay water systems is 0.0023 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Ellijay is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Ellijay
Ellijay is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 16,118 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ellijay. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ellijay
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 Ellijay Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Ellijay's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 2 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 2 | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ellijay. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-24 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-08-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-08 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-24.
Ellijay vs. Nearby Georgia Cities
How Ellijay's water quality compares to similar cities in Georgia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellijay | C | 18 | 5 | 16,118 |
| Springfield | A | 3 | 5 | 16,059 |
| Waresboro | C | 0 | 1 | 15,987 |
| Rising Fawn | C | 0 | 1 | 16,285 |
Common Questions About Ellijay Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ellijay, Georgia:
Is Ellijay water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ellijay's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ellijay tap water? Ellijay's water receives a grade of C (67/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Ellijay? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ellijay vs. Georgia Average
Understanding how Ellijay 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 Ellijay.
ZIP Codes in Ellijay
Ellijay spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 30536. 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.