Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Athens?
Yes, Athens's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Athens has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Athens's water utility, Athens-Clarke Co Water System, had 1 health-based violations and 1 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Athens was resolved on Sept. 30, 2021. This assessment is based on the Athens-Clarke Co Water System water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Athens Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Athens tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Athens's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Athens Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Athens-Clarke Co Water System for Athens in Georgia. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From July 1, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2021, Athens had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: TTHM.
For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2021, Athens had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report which falls into the Other rule code group, and the Consumer Confidence Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Is there Lead in Athens Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Athens water system, Athens-Clarke Co Water System, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.003 mg/L of lead in Athens water. This is 20.0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Athens contained more lead.
While Athens water testing may have found 0.003 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Athens Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Winder Barrow County Airport (enclave) - near Athens with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Athens has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Athens SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/01/2021 - 09/30/2021 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average (02) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | TTHM (2950) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
| 07/01/2021 - | Resolved | No | Other Violation (Other) | Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report (71) | Consumer Confidence Rule (420) | Consumer Confidence Rule (7000) | Other (400) | Consumer Confidence Rule (420) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Athens Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Phone: | 706-613-3289 |
| By Email: | william.cottrell@accgov.com |
| By Mail: | 800 Water Works Drive ATHENS, GA, 30601 |
Existing customers can login to their Athens-Clarke Co Water System account to pay their Athens water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Athens-Clarke Co Water System bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Athens water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Athens water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Athens means you will often need to put the water in your name with Athens-Clarke Co Water System. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Athens means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Athens-Clarke Co Water System. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.59 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Athens, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Athens Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Athens's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
ABOUT YOUR
WATER SYSTEM # 0590000
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
REPORT (CCR)
YOUR WATER IS SAFE as treated and delivered by
Working to protect our water sources
North Oconee
SAFEGUARDING OUR RIVERS
In order to protect public drinking water supplies at the source – our rivers, lakes and streams – the State of Georgia established a Source Water
Bear Creek Reservoir
River
Assessment Program. As part of this program,
Winterville
Downtown
Athens
Middle
Oconee River
Your drinking water comes from three sources: the Bear Creek Reservoir, the North Oconee
River, and the Middle Oconee River. Before it
ever reaches the faucet, your water travels through a carefully monitored, reliable treatment process.
Assessment of the Middle Oconee and North Oconee rivers. Both rivers have been ranked with a medium level of pollution susceptibility. Based on the results of the Source Water Assessment, the county developed a Watershed Protection Plan for safeguarding our water resources. Copies of the report and plan are available at the Public Utilities Department Administration Office, 124 East Hancock Avenue in downtown Athens.
OUR ANNUAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES SUPPORT WATER PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION.
9,000+
An average of
50 films
submitted for promotion of WATER CONSERVATION since event began in 2013 – winning films shown on FaceBook and YouTube
189 ARTIST-CREATED RAIN BARRELS auctioned off at the Roll Out the Barrels event since it began in May 2011
1,200,000
estimated gallons of water saved annually with the February WaterSense SHOWERHEAD GIVEAWAY
An average of
1,000 ATHENS
WATER
FESTIVAL
attendees to the annual
WATER FESTIVAL
Visit ThinkAtTheSink.com for upcoming events and workshops.
ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY WATER TEST RESULTS
This chart shows the findings of
- parts per million (ppm) – the equivalent of one drop of water in 42 gallons
- parts per billion (ppb) – the equivalent of one drop of water in 14,000 gallons
Better than |
|
Substance |
|
Typical Source |
|
Goal |
|
Maximum Level |
Detected Level |
EPA Standard |
|
|
|
(MCLG) |
|
(MCL) |
(what we found) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TERMS TO KNOW
AL (ACTION LEVEL) The concentration of a contaminant, which if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
MCLG (MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL GOAL) The level of a
ACC PUD
QUALITY
AWARDED
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY’S WATERSENSE PROGRAM
Sustained Excellence Award, PUD Water Conservation Office
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF WATER
PROFESSIONALS
Comprehensive Education Program of Excellence in Water & Wastewater
Platinum Award, North Oconee Water
Reclamation Facility (10th)
Have questions about your drinking water quality?
Visit
WHY ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN WATER?
Pure water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. However, all drinking water comes from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or wells. These sources are never purely hydrogen and oxygen. As water travels over land or through the ground, it dissolves natural minerals, and is subject to potential “contamination” by a variety of naturally occurring and
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general public.
Copper*
Lead*
Fluoride
Nitrate
(Nitrogen)
Total
Trihalomethanes
(TTHMS)
Filtered
Turbidity
Haloacetic Acids
(HAA)
Chlorine
Corrosion of
household plumbing systems
Corrosion of
household plumbing systems
Water additive that promotes strong teeth
Runoff from fertilizer use
Soil runoff
Corrosion of
household plumbing systems
Water additive for disinfection
- ppm
0.00 ppb
- ppm
10.00 ppm
0.00 ppb
0.00 NTU
0.00 ppb
4.00 ppm (MRDLG)
AL 1.30 ppm |
|
0.052 ppm |
|
|
0.00 over AL |
|
|
|
AL 15.00 ppb |
|
1.07 ppb |
|
0.00 over AL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Max 1.09 ppm |
4.00 ppm |
|
Average 0.71 ppm |
|
|
(actual range |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.00 ppm |
|
0.92 ppm |
|
|
|
80.00 ppb |
|
65.85 ppb** |
(annual average) |
|
Range |
|
|
|
TT = 1.00 NTU |
|
0.36 (highest single |
|
measurement) |
|
|
|
|
TT = 95% of |
|
99.69% ≤ 0.3 NTU |
samples ≤ 0.30 NTU |
|
|
|
|
|
60.00 ppb |
|
35.00 ppb** |
(annual average) |
|
Range |
4.00 ppm |
|
Max 2.00 ppm |
(MRDL) |
|
Average 0.80 ppm |
contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
MCL (MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL) The highest level of a
contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
MAXIMUM RESIDUAL DISINFECTANT LEVEL (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
MAXIMUM RESIDUAL DISINFECTANT LEVEL GOAL (MRDLG) The level of a
drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contamination.
ND (NOT DETECTED)
NTU (NEPHELOMETRIC
TURBIDITY UNIT) is
Platinum Award, Cedar Creek Water
Reclamation Facility (10th)
Platinum Award, Middle Oconee Water
Reclamation Facility (8th)
Platinum Award, JG Beacham Drinking
Water Treatment Plant (13th)
2021 Water Reclamation Facility
of the Year, Cedar Creek Water
Reclamation Facility
J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant
13 years with
0 violations
some elderly people, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
To ensure that our tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Water Test Results at left detail the EPA’s ideal goal and highest level allowed.
EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available by contacting the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION FROM THE EPA
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk.
More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with private service lines and home plumbing. ACC PUD is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for
30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested.
Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to
Better than |
|
Substance |
|
Typical |
|
Goal |
|
Maximum Level |
|
Range of |
|
Annual Average |
EPA Standard |
|
|
Source |
|
(MCLG) |
|
(MCL) |
|
Removal |
|
Removal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Total Organic |
Naturally |
N/A |
TT |
25.00%– |
38.44% |
|||||
|
|
Carbon |
present in the |
|
|
|
|
48.42% |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
environment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- measurement of the clarity of the water.
- (TREATMENT TECHNIQUE) A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
minimize exposure is available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
With the use of filtration, UV treatment, and disinfection, our treatment process consistently removes viruses before delivering water to you.
*EPA regulations require testing every three years; latest testing done in 2018. **Annual locational average.
This report contains important information on the quality of your drinking water, as required by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act.
The Mayor and Commission review and approve all major water and wastewater projects at City Hall meetings. These are open for public comment and televised on Facebook, Youtube, and ACTV Cable Channel 180. Find pdfs of ACC PUD water quality reports at accgov.com/ccr.
Would you like more information on water quality?
Contact Laurel Loftin at
¿Habla espanol? Este Informe
contiene información muy importante sobre su agua beber. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
Find the faucet icon hidden in this water quality report and enter to win a bucket of water gifts! Tell us at accgov.com/LittleLilyLookout. Entries are accepted until July 31, 2021.
accgov.com/publicutilities
ThinkAtTheSink.com
facebook.com/lilyanne.phibian
twitter.com/AccWaterWarrior instagram.com/lilyannephibian
124 East Hancock Ave.
Athens, Georgia 30601
Water Bill Questions
Administration
Water Conservation
To Report a Water Leak
Emergencies
Printed locally on recycled paper.
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 135
Athens, GA
Contaminants
Athens - Clarke County Water System
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 120266
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 17
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- 1%2C4-Dioxane
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.