A94/100
Decatur Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 743,000 residents · Georgia
What's In Decatur's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/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, 2021 – February 16, 2022Enforcement: 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
DEKALB COUNTY
Population Served
743,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
GA0890001
Frequently Asked Questions About Decatur Water
Is Decatur tap water safe to drink?
Decatur, Georgia tap water receives a grade of A (94/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Decatur's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Decatur's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). 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 Decatur have any water quality violations?
Yes, Decatur has 3 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Decatur?
Decatur 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 Decatur's tap water come from?
Decatur's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by DEKALB COUNTY. The system serves approximately 743,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Decatur'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. Decatur'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 Decatur's water compare to other cities in Georgia?
Decatur's water quality score of 94/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Decatur among the better-performing water systems in Georgia. Visit our Georgia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Decatur's water quality?
If you have concerns about Decatur'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 (DEKALB COUNTY) 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.