Elrod, AL Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Elrod's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within AL — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Elrod Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Elrod Water
- Homes built before 1986: 35% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.26 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Elrod
Water service in Elrod, AL is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Elrod, Alabama (population ~1,059), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,648 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Elrod — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Elrod: D (53/100)
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
Elrod water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Elrod
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35458 | D | BUHL, ELROD & HOLMAN WATER AUTHORITY | 3,648 |
All ZIP Codes in Elrod
- 35458 [D]
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 Elrod
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Elrod
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
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Elrod, the median build year of 1992 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Elrod 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 Elrod Homeowners
Equity impact data for Elrod lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Elrod are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% above the Alabama average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Elrod
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 35% of Elrod homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Elrod
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 35% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Elrod, AL