Cullman, AL: 24 Violations — 76/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 9 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Cullman, AL: reliable drinking water, above-average safety record, few violations.
How Cullman Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Cullman Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 24 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 57% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.45 — above typical levels.
Cullman's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Cullman, AL — 9 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Cullman, Alabama (population ~49,748), covering 9 community water systems serving approximately 151,622 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 Cullman: B (76/100)
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
Cullman water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 20 | 4 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35055 | B | 6 | 0 | Cullman County Water Department |
| 35056 | B | 6 | 0 | Cullman County Water Department |
| 35057 | B | 6 | 0 | Cullman County Water Department |
| 35058 | B | 6 | 0 | East Cullman Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Cullman
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.
Cullman 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 Cullman's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cullman Infrastructure Age
With 57% 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
Because the majority of Cullman's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1981 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Cullman were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Cullman
Equity impact data for Cullman lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Cullman are relatively low compared to home values. The $850–$2,725 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 17% above the Alabama average.
Cullman: 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.
Older stock in Cullman represents 57% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Cullman: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Cullman falls in moderate-exposure territory — 20 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 75% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Cullman has a moderate flood history with 20 FEMA claims averaging $18,408 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>$1,700</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 Cullman, AL