F0/100
St. Marys Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 19,408 residents · Georgia
What's In St. Marys's Tap Water?
67
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 154.00 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 4430.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
9
Violations (last 5yr)
5
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – August 17, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: August 5, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 29, 2022 – September 19, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: July 27, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: June 1, 2021 – June 30, 2021Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: May 1, 2021 – May 31, 2021Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: April 18, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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
ST. MARYS
Population Served
19,408
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
GA0390001
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Marys Water
Is St. Marys tap water safe to drink?
St. Marys, Georgia tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 98 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in St. Marys's water?
Of the 67 contaminants tested in St. Marys's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does St. Marys have any water quality violations?
Yes, St. Marys has 98 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in St. Marys?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in St. Marys is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does St. Marys's tap water come from?
St. Marys's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by ST. MARYS. The system serves approximately 19,408 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is St. Marys'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. St. Marys'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 St. Marys's water compare to other cities in Georgia?
St. Marys's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Georgia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about St. Marys's water quality?
If you have concerns about St. Marys'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 (ST. MARYS) 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.