Decatur, AL: 15 Violations — 63/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Decatur shows moderate tap water quality for AL — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Decatur Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Decatur, AL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
How ZIP codes in Decatur score across all safety grades.
What You Should Know About Decatur Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 15 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0028 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.84 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Decatur
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Decatur, AL's residential water connections out of 5 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Decatur, Alabama (population ~67,883), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 158,034 people region-wide.
5 of 5 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Decatur: C (63/100)
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
Decatur water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0028 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): 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 6 | 5 |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 5 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 5 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35601 | C | 3 | 0 | Decatur, Municipal Utilities Board of |
| 35602 | C | 3 | 0 | Decatur, Municipal Utilities Board of |
| 35603 | C | 3 | 0 | Decatur, Municipal Utilities Board of |
| 35609 | C | 3 | 0 | Decatur, Municipal Utilities Board of |
| 35699 | C | 3 | 0 | Decatur, Municipal Utilities Board of |
All ZIP Codes in Decatur
- 35601 [C] — 3 violations
- 35602 [C] — 3 violations
- 35603 [C] — 3 violations
- 35609 [C] — 3 violations
- 35699 [C] — 3 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 Decatur
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 Decatur Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Decatur Homeowners
Middle of the range — Decatur homeowners face a remediation share that calls for real financial attention without reaching crisis territory.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Decatur. The estimated $1,720–$3,540 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 43% above the Alabama average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Decatur
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.
Lead risk in Decatur appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Decatur
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Decatur falls in moderate-exposure territory — 114 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 80% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Decatur has a moderate flood history with 114 FEMA claims averaging $18,375 per payout. 80% 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>$2,600</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 Decatur
- 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 Lead can reduce the most common contaminant found in Decatur's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Decatur, AL