Water Quality in Gulf Shores, AL: 68 Violations - Grade N/A
2 water systems · 2 directly mapped ZIP records
Available EPA records report 68 violations across 2 directly mapped ZIP records with known counts for Gulf Shores. This is compliance evidence, not a property-level tap-water verdict.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Gulf Shores
This table shows typed EPA water evidence only. Missing violation counts are displayed as N/A, not zero.
| ZIP Code | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36542 | 68 | 0 | View report → |
| 36547 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Gulf Shores, Alabama has directly mapped EPA water-system data for 2 ZIP codes. This page reports typed compliance facts and does not relabel the multi-source Home Safety Score as a drinking-water grade.
The available EPA records report 68 violations (all classified as monitoring/reporting type in the available record) across 2 directly mapped ZIP records with reported counts.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Gulf Shores water systems is 0.0024 mg/L - within EPA limits. No exceedances appear among the 2 ZIP records with known lead status.
With 43% of homes built before 1986, Gulf Shores has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 17,335 people across 2 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Gulf Shores. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Gulf Shores
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels and violation history
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Gulf Shores Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Gulf Shores's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Atrazine | Organic | 0.003 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Benzene | Organic | 0.005 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Radium-226 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 2 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Gulf Shores. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2026-01-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2026-01-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-08-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-07-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-04-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-04-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-01-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-01-11 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2026-01-22.
Gulf Shores vs. Nearby Alabama Cities
How Gulf Shores's water quality compares to similar cities in Alabama:
| City | Direct EPA ZIPs | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Shores | 2 | 68 | 2 | 17,335 |
| Arab | 1 | 6 | 3 | 17,435 |
| Atmore | 1 | 66 | 5 | 17,129 |
| Gardendale | 1 | 3 | 2 | 17,627 |
Common Questions About Gulf Shores Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Gulf Shores, Alabama:
Is Gulf Shores water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Gulf Shores's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Gulf Shores tap water? City-level EPA records cannot determine safety at a specific tap. No health-based violations are recorded across 2 directly mapped ZIP records with known counts, but this is not a property-level safety guarantee.
What is the best water filter for Gulf Shores? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Gulf Shores vs. Alabama Average
Understanding how Gulf Shores compares to the broader Alabama average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Gulf Shores.
ZIP Codes in Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores spans 2 ZIP codes. EPA water-system coverage is available for 2 directly mapped ZIP codes. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.