Athens, AL: 16 Violations — 65/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Athens, EPA compliance data for AL sits at a moderate level — not alarming, but not uniformly clean across all service areas either.
How Athens Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Athens Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 16 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0019 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 44% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,850 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.66 — above typical levels.
Athens's Water Providers
Athens, AL draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 5 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Athens, Alabama (population ~60,409), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 115,097 people region-wide.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Athens: C (65/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Athens water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0019 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 4 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 10 | 4 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 5 | 4 |
| Contaminant 2035 | Other | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35611 | C | 4 | 0 | Limestone County Water and Sewer Authority |
| 35612 | C | 4 | 0 | Limestone County Water and Sewer Authority |
| 35613 | C | 4 | 0 | Limestone County Water and Sewer Authority |
| 35614 | C | 4 | 0 | Limestone County Water and Sewer Authority |
All ZIP Codes in Athens
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Athens Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Athens's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Athens Infrastructure Age
With 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Over the decades, Athens accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1987 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Athens were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Athens
Although the Athens remediation share is moderate, it remains reachable for most homeowners who plan for the expense in advance.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Athens. The estimated $1,900–$3,825 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 22% above the Alabama average.
Athens: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 44% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Athens.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Athens: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Multiple flood events have been recorded for Athens through the NFIP — 33 claims in total, with 75% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones — pointing to a flood exposure profile that merits inclusion in a water quality assessment without reaching high-severity planning territory.
Athens has a moderate flood history with 33 FEMA claims averaging $10,427 per payout. 75% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,850</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Athens
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Athens's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Athens, AL