Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Augusta?
Yes, Augusta's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Augusta 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, the city's water provider website, or Augusta's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Augusta's water utility, Augusta-Richmond Co Ws, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Augusta-Richmond Co Ws 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 Augusta Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Augusta 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 Augusta's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Augusta Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Augusta-Richmond Co Ws for Augusta in Georgia. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
Is there Lead in Augusta Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Augusta water system, Augusta-Richmond Co Ws, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0016 mg/L of lead in Augusta water. This is 10.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Augusta contained more lead.
While Augusta water testing may have found 0.0016 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 Augusta 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 - Fort Gordon - near Augusta 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 Augusta 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.
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.
Augusta Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Phone: | 706-821-4212 |
| By Mail: | 1731 TOBACCO RD. AUGUSTA, GA, 30906 |
Existing customers can login to their Augusta-Richmond Co Ws account to pay their Augusta water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Augusta-Richmond Co Ws 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 Augusta 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 Augusta 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 Augusta means you will often need to put the water in your name with Augusta-Richmond Co Ws. 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 Augusta means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Augusta-Richmond Co Ws. 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
$1.25 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 Augusta, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Augusta 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 Augusta's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
Augusta Utilities
2020
English, Korean, and Spanish versions of this CCR, as well as previous years, are located at:
Descargar este |
한국어 다운로드 |
informe en Español. |
|
Printed Copies
To request a printed copy of the CCR, contact us at (706)
Water Quality Questions?
Call our water quality lab
CONTENTS |
|
A Message from the Director |
1 |
Important Health Information |
2 |
Minimizing Exposure to Lead |
3 |
Source Water Assessment/Source Water |
|
Info |
4 |
Bring DownYour |
|
Bill by Stopping Leaks |
4,5 |
Water Conservation Tips |
5 |
Augusta Water |
|
Conservation Plan |
5 |
Definitions |
6 |
Water Testing Results |
|
Common Tests |
9 |
Useful Links |
10 |
A Message from the Director
I am pleased to present our annual Consumer Confidence Report covering the 2020 calendar year. We once again achieved total compliance with our operating permits, demonstrating the high quality of water we provide to our customers.
The year 2020 presented many challenges for everyone. As your water provider, Augusta Utilities has worked hard to ensure that your access to clean and safe drinking water is not impacted negatively during the current global crisis. We have
had to adapt the way we get things done to the current environment but we have not stopped our efforts to continually improve the reliability of our drinking water production and delivery systems. Some of the highlights of our activities this year are:
- Work has been completed on a project at the Highland Avenue Water Treatment Plant to refurbish two of the original filters and construct a permanent feed for Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC). PAC is one of the products that allows us to address water taste and odor issues caused by algae blooms that may show up in the spring in our source water.
- Construction is nearing completion on a major transmission line that will serve as a redundant feed of water to the downtown area. This will improve the reliability and resiliency of our service to many of our most critical customers.
As this report is being finalized we are continuing to deal with the impacts of the
The staff of Augusta Utilities is highly qualified and dedicated to our mission of providing outstanding water and wastewater services to Augusta’s citizens and visitors. Feel free to contact me at (706) 312- 4160 or WByne@augustaga.gov if you have questions or comments.
Wes Byne, P.E. Director, Augusta Utilities
2020
Important Health Information
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GaEPD) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminates in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration and GaEPD regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. All drinking water, including bottled water, may 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 are available by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800)
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised people such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, who have undergone organ transplants, and who have HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders; as well as some elderly and some infants may be particularly at risk from infections. People who may be concerned about their vulnerability should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on lowering the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800)
SUBSTANCES FOUND IN SOURCE WATER
Drinking water (both tap and bottled water) sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals. It can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
Microbial contaminants: such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
Inorganic contaminants: such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
Pesticides and herbicides: which may come from a variety of sources such as agricultural, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
Organic chemical contaminants: including synthetic and
volatile organic chemicals, which are
Radioactive contaminants: which can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
-
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 Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
(800-426- 4791)
2020 Drinking Water Quality Report 2
•Minimizing the Potential for Lead Exposure
- 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 service lines and home plumbing. Augusta Utilities 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 minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ lead.
- Source Water Information
-
Augusta-Richmond County customers are fortunate because we enjoy an abundant water supply from 2 sources. The Highland Avenue Water Treatment Plant draws water from the Savannah River. The water is pumped via the Historic Augusta Canal Pumping Station to our reservoirs, which hold about 125 million gallons of water. The Max Hicks Plant gets water from the Savannah River as well, and provides 15 million gallons of water to our customers in South Richmond County. Our second water source comes from wells pulling water from the Crutaceous Aquifer hundreds of feet below ground in South Augusta. Combined, our treatment facilities provide about 15.5 billion gallons of drinking water every year.
2020 Drinking Water Quality Report 3
Source Water Assessment
The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act was amended in 1996 and required states to develop and implement source water assessment programs to analyze existing and potential threats to the quality of public drinking water throughout the state. Parsons Engineering Science, Inc. was contracted by Augusta Utilities Department to assess susceptibility of the source water intake in 2001.
The susceptibility matrix showed more than half of the potential pollutant sources in the study area are ranked low priority. Based on the potential pollutant source rankings developed according to the EPA guidelines and engineering principles, the overall susceptibility of the intake was determined to be low. In addition, the water quality samples collected as part of the information collection rule (ICR) indicated the source water is free of biological contaminants. This ranking means that according to protocol set by the EPA, the intake has an overall low susceptibility to the sources of pollution documented. Considering potential for contamination by various pollutant sources, this is the most favorable ranking that the intake can receive.
GaEPD required Augusta Utilities to start sending source water samples to them for cryptosporidium testing, which started in January of 2012 and ended in September of 2013. During the 21 month monitoring period, we are happy to announce that there were no cryptosporidium found in our source waters coming from the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River. If you are interested in examining the results, please contact the Water Quality Manager by calling (706)
Bring DownYour
Bill by Stopping Leaks
Unseen or unfixed, leaks can drip hundreds, even thousands, of gallons of water wastefully down the drain. A little detective work several times a year can catch these water thieves in the act and put them out of circulation. This detective work can also result in money in your pocket. A small (0.5 gallons per minute) leak can result in additional water and sewer costs of $240 per month.
Faucets: Most leaks result from worn washers in household faucets and showerheads. These faucets, as well as seldom used taps in the basement or storage rooms, should be checked periodically. Worn washers or “O” rings usually cause faucet leaks. Repairing faucet leaks is easy: turn off the supply line to the faucet, replace the washer, and turn on the line again.
WATER QUALITY CONCERNS?
Please call our water quality lab at (706)
WATER BILL
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2020 Drinking Water Quality Report 4
Toilets: The toilet is one of the most common water wasters. To determine if your toilet is leaking, look at the toilet bowl after the tank has stopped filling. If water is still running into the bowl, or if water can be heard running, your toilet is leaking.
Most toilet leaks occur at the overflow pipe or at the plunger ball inside the tank. To locate a toilet leak, remove the tank lid and flush. The water level should come up to about half an inch or so below the overflow pipe. Adjust the float level control screw, if necessary, so the valve shuts off the water at that level. If the valve itself is leaking, you may need a plumber to fix it.
Although water may not be seen or heard running, your toilet may have a silent leak. To test for a silent leak, drop a small amount of food coloring into the tank. DO NOT FLUSH! Wait for about five minutes. If the food coloring appears in your toilet bowl, your toilet has a silent leak. It is probably located around or in the plunger ball or flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. These leaks are also easy to fix with parts from your hardware store.
Outside Taps and Irrigation Systems: Check the outside taps for leaking water, particularly during the summer sprinkler season. A hose mistakenly left dribbling away in the grass or garden can waste thousands of gallons of water over the course of a summer. Remember to close outside faucets tightly every time you shut off the water.
Automatic sprinkler systems require special consideration. Adjust the sprinkler heads so that water is directed to areas that require watering. Grass cannot grow on driveways! Also know how to override timers so sprinklers don’t run during a rainstorm or for several days thereafter. A healthy lawn can withstand several weeks of less than normal rainfall. You can also check your water meter to see if water is entering the irrigation system when it shouldn’t. Small leaks in the underground system can result in many gallons of wasted water.
Water Conservation Tips
Water conservation measures are an important first step in protecting our water supply. These tips really help to conserve our water supply source; and save you money by reducing your water bill. Here are a few suggestions:
INDOOR CONSERVATION TIPS:
- Fix leaky faucets, pipes, toilets, etc.
- Replace old fixtures with water saving devices
- Wash full loads of laundry
- Throw trash in the can, not the toilet
- Take shorter showers
- Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth
OUTDOOR CONSERVATION TIPS:
-
Use mulch around
drought-tolerant plants and shrubs - Repair leaks in faucets, hoses, and sprinklers
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Install a rain sensor if you have an
in-ground irrigation system - Connect to reclaimed water for irrigation
Augusta Water
Conservation Plan
Citizens in Georgia can now water any day of the week regardless of your address between the hours of 4 P.M. and 10 A.M. There is NO watering between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. These new time limitations are ONLY for landscape irrigation use.
PERCENTAGES OF TYPICAL WATER USE
13.7%2.3%
1.4%
1.7% |
26.8% |
15.7%
|
21.7% |
16.7% |
Clothes |
Shower |
Source: AWWA Research Foundation (1999) |
The odd/even schedule remains in place for all other outdoor uses such as power washing and car washing. Even- numbered addresses (those ending in 0,2,4,6, and 8) may use water outdoors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
There are no restrictions on drip irrigation, irrigation with soaker hoses, hand watering, and the watering of personal food gardens.
2020 Drinking Water Quality Report 5
Definitions
AL (Action Level): The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.
BRL (Below Reporting Level): Result is below the required reporting level.
LRAA (Locational Running Average): Average of 4 quarters worth of sampling results for specific monitoring sites.
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.
MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal): The level of drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected health risk. Does not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level): The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
MRL(Maximum Reporting Levels): A number, if exceeded must be reported so EPA can get enough data to regulate a contaminate, if needed.
N/A: Not Applicable.
N/D: Not Detected and indicates that the substance was not found by laboratory analysis.
NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit): Measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of five NTU is just noticeable to the average person. *Turbidity has no health effects, but can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth.
pCi/L (picocurie per liter): Measure of the radioactivity in water.
ppb (parts per billion) or μg/L (micrograms per liter): One part by weight of analyte to one billion parts by weight of the water sample.
ppm (parts per million) or mg/L (milligrams per liter): One part by weight of analyte to one million parts byweightweight of the water sample.
- (Treatment Technique): A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Fluoride |
ppm |
4 |
4 |
0.20 |
1.17 |
0.42 |
0.89 |
0.60 |
0.96 |
no |
Erosion of natural deposits; |
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water additive that promotes |
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strong teeth; discharge from |
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fertilizer and aluminum |
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factories |
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Chlorine |
ppm |
MRDL |
MRDLG |
1.72 |
1.84 |
0.81 |
2.05 |
1.08 |
1.96 |
no |
Water additives used to |
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4 |
4 |
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control microbes |
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Nitrates |
ppm |
10 |
10 |
N/D |
0.58 |
N/D |
N/D |
N/D |
1.8 |
no |
Runoff from fertilizer; |
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leaching from septic tanks; |
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sewage; erosion of natural |
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deposits |
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Total Organic |
ppm |
TT |
N/A |
N/D |
N/D |
1.1 |
1.6 |
1.3 |
1.9 |
no |
Naturally present in the |
Carbon |
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environment |
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Total |
ppb |
80 |
N/A |
14 |
86 |
20 |
77 |
19 |
56 |
no |
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Trihalomethanes |
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(LRAA) |
disinfection |
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Total Haloacetic |
ppb |
60 |
N/A |
7 |
60 |
19 |
96 |
15 |
62 |
no |
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Acids |
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(LRAA) |
disinfection |
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Turbidity*See |
NTU |
TT |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
0.04 |
0.27 |
0.02 |
0.08 |
no |
Soil runoff |
definition for NTU |
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Total Coliform |
per 100 |
> 5% |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
no |
Commonly present in the |
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mLs |
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environment; human and |
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animal waste |
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2020 Drinking Water Quality Report 6
Copper |
ppb |
1,300 |
1,300 |
160 |
0 |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
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systems; erosion of natural deposits |
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leaching from wood preservatives |
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Lead |
ppb |
15 |
0 |
1.6 |
0 |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
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systems; erosion of natural deposits |
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leaching from wood preservatives |
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*Collected for lead and copper analysis from 50 homes throughout the service area. Done once every 3 years.
Alpha Emitters |
pCi/L |
15 |
0 |
<2 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits of certain radioactive |
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materials |
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Radium 226 & 228 |
pCi/L |
5 |
0 |
<2 |
No |
Decay of natural manmade deposits of certain |
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radioactive materials |
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*Radiological monitoring is done every 9 years.
2007-2008 Initial Distribution System Evaluation (IDSE)
We conducted IDSE monitoring in
CONTAMINANT
UNITS
AVERAGE LEVEL
MINIMUM LEVEL
MAXIMUM LEVEL
Total Haloacetic Acids |
ppb |
34 |
N/D |
78 |
Total Trihalomethanes |
ppb |
22 |
N/D |
51 |
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2020 Drinking Water Quality Report 7
UCMR Testing
EPA mandates that large water systems participate in Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation or UCMR testing. There is a vast range of contaminants that may be in water, but as of yet are not regulated by federal or state environmental agencies. 2020 is the fourth time our water has been tested for these contaminates. Some contaminants were found in our water in the 2020 round of UCMR testing. These were found only at some sites and not every contaminate was found at all sites. The purpose of monitoring these contaminants is to help EPA decide whether some contaminants should have a limit.
If you are interested in viewing some results, please contact the Water Quality Manager at (706)
2013 UCMR Testing
Chlorate |
47.0 |
310.0 |
107.0 |
20.0 |
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Chromium |
0.21 |
2.4 |
0.95 |
0.2 |
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Hexavalent Chromium (dissolved) |
0.039 |
0.15 |
0.083 |
0.03 |
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Molybdenum |
1.0 |
5.0 |
2.1 |
1.0 |
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Strontium |
11.0 |
230.0 |
49.0 |
0.3 |
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Vanadium |
0.2 |
2.9 |
0.6 |
0.2 |
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2020 UCMR Testing
Bromochlorocetic Acid |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
0.55 |
3.2 |
2.19 |
No |
Bromodichlorocetic Acid |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
BRL |
3.2 |
2.07 |
No |
Chlorodibromoacetic Acid |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
N/D |
0.51 |
0.12 |
No |
Dibromoacetic Acid |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
N/D |
0.44 |
0.03 |
No |
Dichloroacetic Acid |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
2.9 |
60.5 |
21.79 |
No |
HAA9 Group |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
6.0 |
119 |
49.32 |
No |
Total Brominated HAA’s |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
N/D |
7.9 |
4.85 |
No |
Haloacetic Acids (Total) |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
5.5 |
114 |
44.88 |
No |
Monobromoacetic Acid |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
N/D |
2.1 |
0.40 |
No |
Monochloroacetic Acid |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
N/D |
5.0 |
1.29 |
No |
Trichloroacetic Acid |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
2.5 |
48.6 |
21.33 |
No |
Manganese |
ppb |
Unregulated |
Unregulated |
BRL |
38.3 |
4.84 |
No |
2020 Drinking Water Quality Report 8
Common Tests When someone calls and complains about the quality of the water they receive in their home or business, one of the first things the lab technician does is run tests on the water. Here is a list of tests that are run on the samples. Some are run
ON SITE TESTS Chlorine residual: the level of chlorine in the water is checked first. Chlorine is put into the water at the treatment plant, and must be at a high enough level so that there is at least a 0.2 ppm (parts per million) residual at the very end of our distribution system. If there is very low water usage in the house or even in the neighborhood, the chlorine residual will be very low. This is remedied by flushing the main, forcing fresh water into the lines .
pH: the water sample will be checked to see if it is neutral, or around a 7.0 pH. The water leaving the treatment plant is kept between 6.8 and 7.3 pH range. If the pH of the water at your residence or business is lower (acidic) or higher (basic) than our range, there may be mineral buildup in your household lines.
Fluoride: the water leaving the plant has a fluoride level of around
Phosphorus: the water leaving the plant is dosed with a very small amount of polyphosphates to inhibit corrosion in your household plumbing. If you live in a house that may have lead solder or copper pipes, this added chemical helps to keep these metals from leaching into your drinking water (For more information on lead and copper in older homes, visit https://
www.epa.gov/lead)
LAB TESTS
Iron (Fe): this test is run to see if you have a higher than normal iron content in your water that may promote discoloration or staining around faucets and such. The water leaving the plant has a very low iron content since it is basically surface water, but it meets a lot of iron on its way through the distribution system. You see higher iron readings in houses where there is very old plumbing and very low water usage. Iron and manganese levels may also increase during times in the spring and fall when the reservoir experiences “turnover.”
Manganese (Mn): iron and manganese are the twin nuisance metals of the drinking water world. Usually, when you have problems with one, you have problems with the other at the same time. Together, they can stain bathroom and kitchen fixtures as well as stain clothing. Our lab technicians can provide you with a stain removing product for your laundry.
Bacteriological tests: many times the lab may run a bacteriological test on your water to make sure there is no bacteria in the water or in your lines. Chlorine is put in the water at the plant to disinfect the water as well as the water mains and all the lines throughout the distribution system. The lab technicians also collect 120 samples per month from locations all over the county and run microbiological testing on the samples to make sure all the water meets state and federal standards.
If you want testing performed on your water just call (706)
After hours, call Utilities Dispatch at (706) 842- 3060 to contact an
2020 Drinking Water Quality Report 9
Awards
During 2020, the Highland Plant, the Max Hicks Plant and Groundwater Plants again won Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Gold Awards for operating the entire year without a single regulatory violation. This is just another example of how our entire team works hard to provide you, our customers, with safe quality drinking water.
Useful Links
Augusta Utilities Resources
Augusta Georgia Official website:
www.augustaga.gov/2771/utilities
Previous CCRs can be found at:
Water Use, Conservation, and Education
Water Wiser website:
Water Environment Federation: www.wef.org
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): www.epa.gov
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GaEPD): www.gaepd.org Test results for water systems in Georgia:
www.gadrinkingwater.net
Water and Health Concerns
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov
Augusta Utilities Contact
EMERGENCY CONTACT 24 HOURS
(706)
CUSTOMER SERVICE
(706)
Contact Customer Service to activate a new account, to obtain a new connection, or for billing questions.
AUGUSTA 311
Dial 311 to report issues regarding any service provided by the
ADMINISTRATION &
ENGINEERING OFFICE
452 Walker St., Suite 200 Augusta, GA 30901 (706)
For additional assistance, contact the administration & engineering office.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Augusta Utilities is to provide quality water and wastewater service in a highly efficient and
2020 Drinking Water Quality Report 10
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.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Augusta Tap Water
What makes Augusta Tap Water so great? Well, they have great-tasting, all-natural spring water that’s just loaded with minerals and vitamins to keep you healthy. There are no added sugars or anything unnatural like that, and it’s all been done through a reverse osmosis method to make sure the water is pure and good for your body. They also have a 24-hour emergency hotline where you can call in and get some high-quality drinking water at any time during the day or night without having to wait on a machine. The quality of the water comes from a couple of different places.
One of them is the springs that run underneath the city of Augusta, Georgia. These springs have been running for many hundreds of years and provide a constant water supply to Augusta’s city until about twenty-five years ago when the first water tank was installed. Augusta tap water is taken directly from these springs and sent to several different treatment plants, including the Department of Health, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the Department of Agriculture, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. This is a local process that has to be done because no other place on the planet has the same water supply as Augusta. Once this is done, the water is then distributed throughout the rest of the state.
As you can see, both the water quality and quantity are essential because it’s all been done to ensure the people of Augusta, Georgia, have clean drinking water. If you live in the Augusta area, you don’t have to worry about the quality because it is excellent. If you’re looking for good-tasting, naturally pure spring water, then you need to search online for a company that supplies this type of water to the area. I was amazed at how high the quality of this product was. It’s safe and great for you, your family, and your pets.
Augusta Drinking Water
If you are concerned about your family’s safety and looking for quality drinking water, you have to consider Augusta, Georgia. This city is home to the Southern Peach Pines Water Management Division, and they take every measure necessary to keep your family safe from any contaminants. They are particularly concerned about the significant concerns that have been raised over the past several years regarding the quality of drinking water in cities like Atlanta, and they take it very seriously. The city serves as one of the founding members of the Bottled Water Association. This means that they participate in a program that makes sure that every bottling company that puts their logo on a bottle has met all of the requirements and regulations set forth by the Bottled Water Association. That being said, if you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, you might want to check into this particular division of the city.
Within the division, there are four different treatment centers. All of them provide safe water for all of the residents of Augusta. One of those facilities is located in the city’s West End, where there is a wide selection of different bottled water providers. Augusta residents can even conveniently buy water on their smartphones. In addition to the bottled water providers, there is also one well that they can tap into from West End. All of the treatment centers are fully equipped to provide safe drinking water to all Augusta residents.
If you are worried about your drinking water quality, you can relax because the city of Augusta took an active stance toward ensuring that the water coming into their homes is the best that it can be. If you have any questions, you can contact the West End Water Management Division or the Bottled Water Association of the United States. Both of them will be more than happy to answer any of your questions regarding quality water.
Augusta Water Quality
Have you ever wondered about the quality of the water running through Augusta, Georgia? Has it been tested and found to be of acceptable quality? If so, what are your options for getting clean, safe water for drinking? Let’s take a look.
First, as a resident of Augusta, Georgia, I have a responsibility to protect the health of everyone living in our community. This means that whenever the water within our homes is of poor quality, it becomes unhealthy to drink. Augusta has long been known for having one of the best water filtration systems in the nation, which gives residents access to some of the cleanest water in the world. However, when it comes to your private well, the only thing that can help you is an under-the-ground sink filter or a home water purification system. No matter where your water comes from, you need to have it tested and filtered to ensure that it meets the standard.
To protect your family from contaminated tap water, you should consider installing a sump pump filter. It’s essential to find out where your water comes from before you do anything since that is critical. While there are many excellent home purification systems on the market today, the best way to protect yourself and your family’s health is to have regular testing conducted. Once you know what you are dealing with, you will be better able to choose the right product for your family’s needs. Augusta water should be the number one concern in your mind since it could be the source causing your family all kinds of illnesses.
Augusta Surface Water
If you’re looking for the best Augusta surface water, the right place to start is right here in your backyard. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a stream or an ocean in your backyard – what’s important is that you treat your water correctly to ensure it is safe and clean for all your ducks and wildlife. There are many different treatment systems used today to treat groundwater and surface water in Georgia, including chlorine, ultraviolet, bromine, and alachlor. Unfortunately, not every method is booming, and some are harmful to both humans and wildlife. This is why when you go looking for Augusta surface water, it’s essential to look for a treatment system that uses the most advanced technology.
When you get your Augusta water from the city, you’re essentially getting raw sewage water. The city has to deal with so many other harmful issues, including wastewater, graffiti, and harmful toxins from manufacturing plants. As a result, their process for purifying the water can be pretty rough, as they add more chemicals to the water as it boils down in the steam generator. Not only does this mean that the water isn’t safe for fish to live in, but it also means that you might be opening up your pool to bacteria and germs that will ultimately kill your fish. When you treat your Augusta surface water yourself, you eliminate these threats.
Another reason why you should treat your Augusta surface water yourself is that it’s much less expensive than using a swimming pool company to do it for you. You also have more control over how your water is treated, which makes it more environmentally-friendly. Also, you can get higher-quality water by working with nature and creating natural filters that pull chemicals and dangerous toxins out of the water. When you combine these elements, you’re ensuring that your swimming pool will be healthy for you and your family for years to come.
Augusta Water Utility
You have probably seen advertisements on TV, in the paper, or online from companies that want you to take advantage of an Augusta water utility. If you are looking for a water utility company, this is a great place to start. These companies will typically offer you a full range of services, from providing you with an efficient water supply to taking care of your stormwater runoff and debris removal. The great thing about these Augusta water utility companies is that they all use eco-friendly practices, which are highly beneficial to both the environment and the people who live and work in this area.
If you live in Augusta and are looking for a quality water utility company, there are many to choose from. Call around to different businesses in the area to find out which ones are the best choice for you. You must take your time when making your decision and be sure that you fully understand all of the terms and conditions of any contract you sign. Be sure to call up after you have received a copy of your Georgia water bill to see if there are any improvements that you can file a dispute on.
Every home in the greater Augusta area is required by law to get certified water quality testing from the Georgia Bureau of Public Health. This is the state body that determines the health risks for public drinking water in the state. Suppose you find that your home has below-average levels of health-giving substances in it. In that case, you may want to talk to a Georgia water utility company about improving the system so that your water gets the highest quality possible. This will mean that you may have to pay a little extra for the higher-quality water, but if you end up saving money in the long run, it is well worth the extra investment. Make sure to talk with your family about the need for good-quality water to cook with, drink, and bathe in.