Guntersville, AL: 3 Violations — 77/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike many cities its size in AL, Guntersville keeps health-based violation rates low — systems here score at or above the state average for tap water safety, with no systemic concerns flagged in the current data set.
How Guntersville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Guntersville Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 49% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.73 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Guntersville
Structurally, Guntersville, AL's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 7 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Guntersville, Alabama (population ~16,604), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 159,588 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 Guntersville: B (77/100)
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
Guntersville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35976 | B | 3 | 0 | City of Guntersville, the Wwsb of the |
All ZIP Codes in Guntersville
- 35976 [B] — 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.
CDC Health Data for Guntersville
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Guntersville
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Guntersville's Housing Stock?
With 49% 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
Housing age is a practical proxy for plumbing risk because federal standards changed in 1986, when lead solder was banned from new residential construction, and again earlier — before 1970, lead pipes were themselves commonly installed. Guntersville's median build year of 1983 sits in the range where both pre- and post-1986 homes are well represented. The bar chart above reflects that mixed picture: the distribution captures pockets of older housing alongside more recent development, and those pockets carry real lead risk potential at the individual property level.
Most homes in Guntersville 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.
Guntersville: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity impact of remediation in Guntersville sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Guntersville. The estimated $1,600–$4,100 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 55% above the Alabama average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Guntersville
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.
When older housing represents 49% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Guntersville address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Guntersville
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Guntersville shows a moderate flood record — 18 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Guntersville has a moderate flood history with 18 FEMA claims averaging $24,698 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>$2,800</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 Guntersville, AL