Calera, AL: 5 Violations — 81/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems serving Calera hold a strong EPA compliance record — the city places among the better-performing areas in AL with few health-based violations on file.
How Calera Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Calera Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 5 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 20% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.18 — above typical levels.
Calera's Water Providers
Structurally, Calera, AL's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 4 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Calera, Alabama (population ~18,819), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 82,149 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Calera: B (81/100)
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
Calera water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 8 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35040 | B | 5 | 0 | Calera Water Works |
All ZIP Codes in Calera
- 35040 [B] — 5 violations
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.
Calera 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 Calera's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Calera Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
A post-1986 majority in Calera's housing inventory — median build year 2006 — generally signals lower aggregate plumbing-era lead risk.
Most homes in Calera 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 Calera
The equity impact of remediation in Calera sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Calera. The estimated $1,200–$3,400 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 28% above the Alabama average.
Calera: 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.
Whenever aggregate samples pass the federal action benchmark and pre-rule housing — 20% in Calera — represents a smaller fraction, lead occupies a lower priority on the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Calera: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Calera falls in moderate-exposure territory — 5 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Calera has a moderate flood history with 5 FEMA claims averaging $14,386 per payout. 100% 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>$2,200</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Calera, AL