A93/100
CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 585,000 people · Alabama
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
AL0000738
Violations
4
Contaminant Test Results
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 11, 2023Rule: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM
Is CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM water safe to drink?
CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM water receives a grade of A (93/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed non-enforceable health goals. The water meets federal safety standards.
What contaminants has CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM detected?
76 contaminants were tested in CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM have any EPA violations?
Yes, CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM has 4 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR.
How many people does CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM serve?
CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM serves approximately 585,000 people, Alabama. The system provides water to 1 community: Birmingham.
What type of water does CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM provide?
CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is AL0000738.
How does CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM compare to other utilities in Alabama?
CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM scores 93/100 with a grade of A (excellent). This places it among the higher-performing utilities in the state. Visit our Alabama state page for a full comparison of water systems.