Daphne, AL: 7 Violations — 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although water quality varies across any metro, Daphne's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for AL — and documented violations are few.
How Daphne Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Daphne Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 7 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.006 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 29% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.02 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Daphne
3 independent water providers serve Daphne, AL — 6 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Daphne, Alabama (population ~34,552), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 131,670 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 Daphne: B (73/100)
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
Daphne water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0060 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 8 | 1 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 4100 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36526 | B | 7 | 0 | City of Daphne, Utilities Board of the |
All ZIP Codes in Daphne
- 36526 [B] — 7 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.
Health Outcomes in Daphne
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
Top Contaminants in Daphne Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Daphne
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
Although a small portion of Daphne's homes predate 1986, the median build year of 1994 indicates the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed after lead solder was banned — which tends to reduce the plumbing-related component of lead exposure at the household level.
Most homes in Daphne 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Daphne Homeowners
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Daphne is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Daphne are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 89% above the Alabama average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Daphne
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.
Although citywide aggregate readings pass cleanly and just 29% of Daphne housing comes from the pre-rule era, the difference between what utilities sample and what arrives at one specific faucet remains a structural feature of how monitoring works. Households with kids in the home can find a certified lead-removal filter and a draw-test kit through retailer-verified channels. That step is independent of system-level data.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Daphne
The National Flood Insurance Program captures decades of claims at the local level, building a record of cumulative community flood exposure. For Daphne, that record documents 265 claims and 100% of ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated flood zones. What makes those numbers relevant to water quality is the set of mechanisms flooding activates: heavy precipitation that floods treatment intake zones can introduce contaminants upstream of normal filtration; well casings in low-lying areas can be infiltrated by floodwaters carrying bacteria, sediment, and chemical residue; and distribution system pressure changes during flooding can create backflow conditions. These effects become more probable as flood frequency and magnitude increase — and the NFIP record indicates both are meaningful factors locally.
Daphne has a moderate flood history with 265 FEMA claims averaging $22,925 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>$2,400</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 Daphne, AL