Saint Marys, GA Water Safety: 85/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Saint Marys, EPA monitoring data shows low violation rates and healthy safety margins — a pattern that places the city well above GA's average for drinking water compliance across recent reporting cycles.
How Saint Marys Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Saint Marys Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 34% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.09 — above typical levels.
Saint Marys's Water Providers
Federal records list 3 water systems tied to Saint Marys, GA. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Saint Marys, Georgia, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 22,498 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Saint Marys — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Saint Marys: A (85/100)
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
Saint Marys water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0005 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31558 | A | Kingsland | 22,448 |
All ZIP Codes in Saint Marys
- 31558 [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.
Saint Marys 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
Saint Marys 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
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Saint Marys, the median build year of 1997 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Saint Marys 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 Saint Marys
Equity impact data for Saint Marys lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Saint Marys are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% above the Georgia average.
Saint Marys: 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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Saint Marys have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 34% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Saint Marys: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
124 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Saint Marys, and 100% 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.
Saint Marys has a moderate flood history with 124 FEMA claims averaging $12,669 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 Saint Marys, GA