Nicholson, GA: 4 Violations — 80/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current monitoring, Nicholson holds an above-average drinking water safety record for GA — violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
How Nicholson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Nicholson Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.49 — above typical levels.
Nicholson's Water Providers
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Nicholson, GA's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Nicholson, Georgia (population ~4,703), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 36,819 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Nicholson: B (80/100)
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
Nicholson water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30565 | B | 4 | 0 | Nicholson Water Authority |
All ZIP Codes in Nicholson
- 30565 [B] — 4 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.
Nicholson 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 Nicholson's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Nicholson 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
A post-1986 majority in Nicholson's housing inventory — median build year 1994 — generally signals lower aggregate plumbing-era lead risk.
Most homes in Nicholson 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 Nicholson
In Nicholson, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Nicholson are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% above the Georgia average.
Nicholson: 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.
Reading Nicholson's aggregate samples next to its housing-age figures yields a quiet baseline. Lead rests under the federal action benchmark in citywide monitoring, and only 25% of homes were built before the federal ban on solder containing lead. Households with kids — the population for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — can confirm in-home conditions with a draw-test kit, with a certified lead-removal filter available through certified retail channels if results warrant it.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Nicholson: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
The National Flood Insurance Program captures decades of claims at the local level, building a record of cumulative community flood exposure. For Nicholson, that record documents 1 claim and 100% of ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated flood zones. What makes those numbers relevant to water quality is the set of mechanisms flooding activates: heavy precipitation that floods treatment intake zones can introduce contaminants upstream of normal filtration; well casings in low-lying areas can be infiltrated by floodwaters carrying bacteria, sediment, and chemical residue; and distribution system pressure changes during flooding can create backflow conditions. These effects become more probable as flood frequency and magnitude increase — and the NFIP record indicates both are meaningful factors locally.
Nicholson has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 100% 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>$2,200</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 Nicholson, GA