Jemison, AL Water Safety: 72/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Jemison's tap water quality puts it in AL's upper tier — health-based violations are rare and the compliance record is consistently above average.
How Jemison Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Jemison Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 44% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.93 — above typical levels.
Jemison's Water Providers
Water supply in Jemison, AL follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 5 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Jemison, Alabama (population ~8,786), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 72,348 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Jemison — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Jemison: B (72/100)
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
Jemison water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Jemison
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35085 | B | Jemison Water Works | 4,365 |
All ZIP Codes in Jemison
- 35085 [B]
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.
Jemison 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
Jemison Infrastructure Age
With 44% 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
What does a median build year of 1999 mean for water safety in Jemison? It means the housing stock straddles two key plumbing thresholds: the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in copper plumbing, and the pre-1970 era when lead pipes were commonly installed for service lines. A meaningful share of homes predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating varied risk levels across the city's housing inventory.
Most homes in Jemison 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 Jemison
Within the Jemison market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Jemison are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 26% below the Alabama average.
Jemison: 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.
Wherever 44% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Jemison — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Jemison, AL