Oglethorpe, GA Water Safety: 95/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Oglethorpe tap water earns a high safety grade — above-average compliance with GA and federal standards.
How Oglethorpe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Oglethorpe Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0021 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 54% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.68 — above typical levels.
Oglethorpe's Water Providers
Structurally, Oglethorpe, GA's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Oglethorpe, Georgia, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 4,757 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Oglethorpe — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Oglethorpe: A (95/100)
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
Oglethorpe water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0021 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31068 | A | Oglethorpe | 4,129 |
All ZIP Codes in Oglethorpe
- 31068 [A]
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.
Oglethorpe 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
Oglethorpe Infrastructure Age
With 54% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Oglethorpe's housing stock carries a median build year of 1986. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Oglethorpe were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Oglethorpe
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Oglethorpe is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Oglethorpe. The estimated $800–$1,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 69% below the Georgia average.
Oglethorpe: 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.
Routinely in Oglethorpe, where 54% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Oglethorpe: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Oglethorpe has accumulated 2 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Oglethorpe has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $16,130 per payout. 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>$1,200</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 Oglethorpe, GA