D
49

Poor Water Quality

Vincent, AL 35178

Shelby County · Population served: 52,830 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
STERRETT-VANDIVER WATER SYSTEM
Surface water · Pop. 3,153
PWSID: AL0001164
🌊
VINCENT (THE WWB OF THE CITY OF)
Groundwater · Pop. 2,733
PWSID: AL0001168
🌊
NEW LONDON WS & FIRE PRO AUTHORITY
Groundwater · Pop. 6,843
PWSID: AL0001437
🏔
SHELBY COUNTY COMMISSION-WATER SERVICES
Surface water · Pop. 40,101
PWSID: AL0001671

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
5.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

15 detected 4 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBS113.5 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFBS110.0 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFPeA47.6 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFPeA33.0 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFOS31.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFHxA28.3 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOS27.7 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOA26.1 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

62Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
61Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Vincent

Tap water quality in Vincent, Alabama (35178) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 49 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 21 points below the Alabama state average of 70. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 4 water systems providing water to approximately 52,830 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 4 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. The area has 62 violations over the past 5 years, though none were classified as health-based.

Your Score 49/100 D
vs State 21 pts below Alabama avg (70)
vs National 26 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 49/100 signals poor water quality in Vincent, AL. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Vincent, Alabama receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 49/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.

ZIP code 35178 is served by 4 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 52,830 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Lead was detected at 5.0 ppb in Vincent, Alabama. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

Yes — 15 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Vincent, Alabama, and 4 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Vincent, Alabama have received 62 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Vincent, Alabama should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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