Mathews, AL Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Mathews, AL: mid-range safety grade, uneven compliance across service areas.
How Mathews Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Mathews Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 18% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.11 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Mathews
Residential water service in Mathews, AL is divided among 2 separate utilities, drawn from 2 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mathews, Alabama (population ~847), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 278,700 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mathews — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mathews: C (63/100)
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
Mathews water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mathews
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36052 | C | MONTGOMERY (WW&SSB OF THE CITY OF) | 276,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Mathews
- 36052 [C]
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 Mathews
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
How Old Is Mathews's Housing Stock?
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
Banned from residential plumbing in 1986, lead solder was a near-universal feature of copper plumbing before that cutoff. In Mathews, where the median build year is 1993, the majority of housing falls into the post-ban category — though the older fraction of the stock still carries the residual risk that comes with pre-1986 pipe and solder materials.
Most homes in Mathews 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.
Mathews: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Setting Mathews remediation figures against its property market, the resulting ratio sits comfortably in the low tier — a classification that reflects the kind of household financial position where most homeowners can identify documented issues, schedule the work, and absorb the cost without it registering as a significant budget disruption.
Remediation costs in Mathews are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 233% above the Alabama average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Mathews
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.
18% — that captures the slice of Mathews stock built before federal rules removed lead-bearing solder from new construction. Combined with system samples below the regulatory action mark, the picture points to a quiet baseline, with one-home draws as the only direct read on a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Mathews
Although Mathews's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 2 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Mathews has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $609 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>$1,600</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.
What You Can Do in Mathews
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Mathews, AL