D
51

Poor Water Quality

Deatsville, AL 36022

Elmore County · Population served: 26,280 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
ELMORE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY
Surface water · Pop. 13,680
PWSID: AL0000535
🏔
HOLTVILLE WATER SYSTEM
Surface water · Pop. 12,600
PWSID: AL0000540

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
5.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

7 detected 2 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBS62.0 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFPeA31.0 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA18.0 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOS18.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOA17.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFBA12.0 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFHpA6.6 pptNo standardUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

31Total (5yr)
1Health-Based
30Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Deatsville

Tap water quality in Deatsville, Alabama (36022) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 51 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 19 points below the Alabama state average of 70. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 26,280 people, using surface water sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 2 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 31 violations, including 1 health-based violations.

Your Score 51/100 D
vs State 19 pts below Alabama avg (70)
vs National 24 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 51/100 signals poor water quality in Deatsville, 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

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 Deatsville, Alabama receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 51/100. 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 36022 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 26,280 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

Lead was detected at 5.0 ppb in Deatsville, 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 — 7 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Deatsville, Alabama, and 2 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 Deatsville, Alabama have received 31 violations in the last 5 years, including 1 health-based violation. 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 Deatsville, 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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