Gulf Shores, AL Water Safety: 78/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Water utilities in Gulf Shores have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in AL reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Gulf Shores Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for Gulf Shores Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0024 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.02 — above typical levels.
Gulf Shores's Water Providers
With 2 utilities splitting service in Gulf Shores, AL, water accountability is distributed across 2 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Gulf Shores, Alabama (population ~17,335), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 54,594 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Gulf Shores — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gulf Shores: B (78/100)
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
Gulf Shores water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0024 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36542 | B | City of Gulf Shores, the Ub of the | 36,798 |
| 36547 | B | City of Gulf Shores, the Ub of the | 36,798 |
All ZIP Codes in Gulf Shores
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.
Gulf Shores 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
Gulf Shores Infrastructure Age
With 43% 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
Roughly balanced between older and newer construction, Gulf Shores shows a median build year of 1989 — a mid-range figure that places meaningful amounts of the residential inventory on both sides of the 1986 federal plumbing-solder ban.
Most homes in Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores
At current valuations, Gulf Shores sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Gulf Shores are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,000–$2,150 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 122% above the Alabama average.
Gulf Shores: 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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 43% of Gulf Shores 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.
Gulf Shores: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Substantially more flood exposure than most communities appears in Gulf Shores's NFIP record — 9752 documented claims and 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones. That exposure level makes the water-quality implications of flooding an active planning consideration rather than a background one.
Gulf Shores has a significant flood history with 9,752 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $20,689 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$1,500</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 Gulf Shores, AL