ENIGMA, Ga. (WALB) — The City of Enigma’s water system was cited for failing to submit a required lead service line inventory to the state by an October 2024 deadline, according to a public notice distributed to customers with their water bills on June 23, 2026.

The notice states the lead service line inventory has since been completed.

The notice, issued under Georgia water system ID GA0190001, identified the violation as a failure to submit an initial service line inventory to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division by Oct. 15, 2024. The document states the failure to report does not create a risk to public health but that the city was required to inform customers of the violation.

“The lead service line has been completed — it wasn’t completed by Oct. 15th, 2024,” the handwritten corrective action section of the notice states.

The notice was also posted in the service area beginning June 13, 2026. The city listed City Hall as the contact for more information, with a phone number of 229-533-4785.

Residents describe billing errors, water quality problems

Residents say water issues in Enigma extend beyond the lead inventory violation. Samuel Welch, an Enigma resident, said the city recently began sending water bills after a long period without them and that the transition has been marked by errors.

Welch said the city created multiple accounts in his name, leading to his water being shut off despite his bill being paid. He said it took three visits to City Hall over the course of about a month to have the duplicate accounts removed.

“This is literally the first bill that I’ve gotten that has been correct,” Welch said, holding a recent water bill during an interview.

>> MORE ON: Enigma Water System Issues <<

Welch also alleged that city workers placed an unauthorized lock on his meter after he publicly confronted city officials about the shutoffs. He said he filed a police report and had officers respond before his water was restored.

“They denied doing it, but I sat right there at my house, me and my roommate, watched them tamper with my meter,” Welch said.

Welch said he plans to address the matter at the July 6 City Council meeting.

Second resident cites discolored water, lack of communication

Carl Smith, another Enigma resident, said water quality and communication from the city remain ongoing concerns.

“Half the time, our water is undrinkable,” Smith said. “We can’t find out who’s testing it, who’s certified to test it, or when it’s safe or when it’s not.”

Smith described the water as sometimes discolored and “grainy, like sand in it.” He said residents often do not receive advance notice when water service is interrupted.

“Sometimes they’ll give us it in Facebook the night before, but most of the time they don’t,” Smith said.

Smith said he does not allow his children, ages 7 and 9, to drink the tap water.

“Not unless the state makes them,” Smith said when asked whether he believes the city will resolve the water issues. “That’s the only way.”

Updates are expected at the next Enigma City Council meeting on July 6 at 6:30 p.m.

WALB reached out to the city for a statement, and we are still waiting to hear back.

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