Martinez Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Martinez tap water has notable issues that residents should consider. At just 15 ppm (0.9 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 15 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Action Needed
Quality issues detected
0.9 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Martinez Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Martinez tap water has significant quality concerns that may require action.
- •12 health-based violations in the past 3 years across 2 water systems.
- •We strongly recommend testing your water at home and using a certified water filter.
The data below shows test results from 2 water utilities serving 125K people in the Martinez area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Martinez Water?
15 ppm
0.9 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 80 water samples from Columbia County.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Martinez tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Martinez
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
3.2 ppb
Martinez lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2023-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Action Recommended
Active health-based violations detectedConsider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.
3-Year Violation Summary
15
Total Violations
12
Health-Related
3
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Martinez's Water?
Utility Name
COLUMBIA COUNTY
EPA System ID (PWSID)
GA0730000
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
125K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Martinez tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Georgia
Atlanta
Soft water
Buford
Soft water
Columbus
Soft water
Cumming
Soft water
Savannah
Moderate water
Augusta
Soft water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology