Fair Water Quality
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
5.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Warning |
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 17.0 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | Unregulated |
| 6:2 FTS | 5.4 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Malcolm, Alabama (36556) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 59 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 11 points below the Alabama state average of 70. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by South Alabama Utilities Water System, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 39,249 people. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. PFAS testing detected 2 compounds, all currently below EPA limits. The area has 366 violations over the past 5 years, though none were classified as health-based.
A score of 59/100 indicates fair water quality in Malcolm, AL. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
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.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
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
Tap water in Malcolm, Alabama receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 59/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.
ZIP code 36556 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 39,249 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.
Lead was detected at 5.0 ppb in Malcolm, 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.
2 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Malcolm, Alabama, but all are currently below EPA limits. While levels are within regulatory standards, some health organizations recommend minimizing any PFAS exposure. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS levels.
Water systems serving Malcolm, Alabama have received 366 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 Malcolm, 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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