Water Quality in Athens, GA

Athens's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 37 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Athens-Clarke County PU · Source: Bear Creek Reservoir, North Oconee River · Serves 127,064 residents

37
Hardness (PPM)
90
TDS (PPM)
1.3
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
2
Lead (ppb)
37 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 37 PPM TDS 90 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 2 ppb Chlorine 1.3 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Athens Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Generally good quality

Athens draws from protected reservoirs in the Piedmont region. Water is soft with minimal hardness minerals.

What Athens's Water Means for Your Home

Athens's water is slightly hard at 37 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Athens, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Athens's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.3 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)37 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids90 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead2 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.3 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Athens's Water Supply

Water Utility: Athens-Clarke County PU

Water Source: Bear Creek Reservoir, North Oconee River

Population Served: 127,064

Hardness: 37 PPM (2.2 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Athens-Clarke County PU. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Athens to Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta

30 PPM · Soft

Augusta

46 PPM · Slightly Hard

Savannah

36 PPM · Slightly Hard

Columbus

32 PPM · Slightly Hard

Macon

40 PPM · Slightly Hard

Sandy Springs

57 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Athens Water

Is Athens tap water safe to drink?
Athens's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Athens?
Probably not. At 37 PPM, Athens's water is on the softer end. Most homes will not experience noticeable scale buildup. That said, if you have high-end fixtures, a glass shower enclosure, or a tankless water heater, even mild hardness can leave mineral deposits over time. A salt-free conditioner is a low-cost insurance policy in that case.
What water filter is best for Athens?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Athens's water come from?
Athens's drinking water is sourced from Bear Creek Reservoir, North Oconee River and treated by Athens-Clarke County PU. Athens draws from protected reservoirs in the Piedmont region. Water is soft with minimal hardness minerals.
What is the hardness of Athens water in grains per gallon?
Athens's water hardness is 2.2 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 37 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Athens water damage tankless water heaters?
At 2.2 GPG, Athens's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Athens water safe for babies and infants?
Athens's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Athens-Clarke County PU Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.