Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Gwinnett County School District (GA): 4 Health Violations

29 ZIP codes · 28 water systems · 20,241,334 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Gwinnett County School District: 21 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

C · 63
Avg Safety Score
29
ZIP Codes
28
Water Systems
79
Violations (5yr)
0.0022 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
8
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 1
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Gwinnett County School District in Georgia spans 29 ZIP codes served by 28 community water systems, providing water to approximately 20,241,334 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (63/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 40/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 61% nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0022 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0045 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 29 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 8 of 29 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFHxA, PFPeA, PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, PFBA.

Highest measured level: 0.0083 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

4 health-based violations recorded across 12 of 29 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 21 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 26 No 10
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 23 No 5
Arsenic Inorganic 10 No 6
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 7 No 6
Total Coliform Microbiological 4 No 4
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 4 No 4
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 3 Yes 1
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 1 Yes 1

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

14 of 29 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. - homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
30011 Auburn B (79) 28 4 0.0042 mg/L No
30012 Conyers C (64) 15 0 0.003 mg/L No
30071 Norcross C (66) 5 0 0.0045 mg/L No
30092 Norcross C (61) 5 0 0.0045 mg/L No
30093 Norcross C (61) 5 0 0.0045 mg/L No
30340 Atlanta B (71) 4 0 0.0014 mg/L No
30350 Atlanta D (54) 4 0 0.0014 mg/L No
30360 Atlanta B (76) 4 0 0.0014 mg/L No
30518 Buford C (62) 3 0 0.0012 mg/L No
30519 Buford C (67) 3 0 0.0012 mg/L No
30548 Hoschton B (82) 2 0 0.0018 mg/L No
30517 Braselton B (83) 1 0 0.0012 mg/L No
30017 Grayson D (53) 0 0 — —
30019 Dacula C (63) 0 0 — —
30024 Suwanee D (45) 0 0 — —
30039 Snellville C (65) 0 0 — —
30043 Lawrenceville C (65) 0 0 0.0012 mg/L No
30044 Lawrenceville C (60) 0 0 0.0012 mg/L No
30045 Lawrenceville B (70) 0 0 0.0012 mg/L No
30046 Lawrenceville C (65) 0 0 0.0012 mg/L No
30047 Lilburn C (60) 0 0 — —
30052 Loganville C (65) 0 0 0.0028 mg/L No
30058 Lithonia C (55) 0 0 — —
30078 Snellville B (73) 0 0 — —
30084 Tucker C (60) 0 0 — —
30087 Stone Mountain D (47) 0 0 — —
30096 Duluth D (40) 0 0 — —
30097 Duluth C (65) 0 0 — —
30620 Bethlehem C (63) 0 0 — —

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
ATLANTA 1,089,893 Surface water 30039, 30047, 30078 +5 more
GWINNETT CO. DEPT. OF WATER RESOURCES 975,000 Surface water 30011, 30017, 30019 +25 more
DEKALB COUNTY 743,000 Surface water 30012, 30039, 30047 +8 more
North Fulton County 434,517 Surface water 30024, 30097
Forsyth Company Water & Sewer 161,200 Surface water 30024, 30097
Gainesville 140,000 Surface water 30517, 30518, 30519, 30548
Rockdale Company Water System 87,156 Surface water 30012, 30039, 30052, 30058
WINDER 51,540 Surface water 30548, 30620

28 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 31.4% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 1.3% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 8.3% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0022 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0045 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

2 health-based contaminants have triggered violations in this district: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM).
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 26 No 10
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 23 No 5
Arsenic Inorganic 10 No 6
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 7 No 6
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 4 No 4
Total Coliform Microbiological 4 No 4
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 3 Yes 1
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 1 Yes 1
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 1 No 1

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 30011 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 30011 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 30011 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 30011 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 30011 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Gwinnett County School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Gwinnett County School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 4 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 8 of 29 ZIP codes. Current levels are below EPA maximums.
  • 21 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Gwinnett County School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 21 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water - Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Gwinnett County School District schools?

Water systems serving Gwinnett County School District have recorded 4 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Gwinnett County School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Gwinnett County School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 8 of 29 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Gwinnett County School District (GA): 4 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/gwinnett-county-school-district-ga/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-gwinnett-county-school-district-ga,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Gwinnett County School District (GA): 4 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/gwinnett-county-school-district-ga/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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