C58/100
Cairo Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,637 residents · Georgia
What's In Cairo's Tap Water?
46
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
molybdenum | 47.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – July 16, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CAIRO
Population Served
9,637
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
GA1310000
Frequently Asked Questions About Cairo Water
Is Cairo tap water safe to drink?
Cairo, Georgia tap water receives a grade of C (58/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 15 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Cairo's water?
Of the 46 contaminants tested in Cairo's water supply, the most notable include molybdenum. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Cairo have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cairo has 15 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cairo?
Cairo water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Cairo's tap water come from?
Cairo's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CAIRO. The system serves approximately 9,637 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Cairo's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Cairo's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Cairo's water compare to other cities in Georgia?
Cairo's water quality score of 58/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Georgia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cairo's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cairo's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CAIRO) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.