Water Quality in Mobile, AL: 144 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 85/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Mobile's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance record maintained by the EPA for Mobile, AL documents 144 water violations — each tied to a specific public water system and assigned a violation category in the federal Safe Drinking Water dataset.
Water Quality Map: Mobile, AL
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Mobile
Water quality varies across Mobile's 36 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36605 | B | 71 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36603 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36606 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36607 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36608 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36609 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36610 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36611 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36617 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36619 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36693 | B | 76 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36601 | B | 81 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36602 | B | 81 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36604 | B | 81 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
| 36618 | B | 81 | 4 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Mobile, Alabama receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 85 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Mobile have accumulated 144 EPA violations, including 36 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 36 ZIP codes serving approximately 279,000 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Mobile's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Mobile water systems is 0.0015 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 74% of homes built before 1986, Mobile 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 Mobile
Mobile is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 279,000 people across 36 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 360 enforcement actions against water systems serving Mobile. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Mobile
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
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 Mobile Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Mobile's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 72 | 36 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 36 | 36 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 36 | 36 | Yes |
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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Mobile. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-06-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-01-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-11-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-08-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-08-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-06.
Mobile vs. Nearby Alabama Cities
How Mobile's water quality compares to similar cities in Alabama:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | A | 144 | 1 | 279,000 |
| Semmes | C | 0 | 1 | 279,000 |
| Cecil | D | 0 | 1 | 276,000 |
| Mount Meigs | D | 0 | 1 | 276,000 |
Recommended Water Filters for Mobile
Based on contaminants detected in Mobile's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
- Removes: Chlorite
- Effectiveness: 70-90%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Trihalomethane (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: Haloacetic Acid HAA5
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Mobile
Water quality varies across Mobile's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36605 | 71 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36603 | 76 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36606 | 76 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36607 | 76 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36608 | 76 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36609 | 76 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36610 | 76 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36611 | 76 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36617 | 76 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36619 | 76 | B | 4 | 1 |
| 36688 | 94 | A | 4 | 1 |
| 36685 | 94 | A | 4 | 1 |
| 36675 | 94 | A | 4 | 1 |
| 36671 | 94 | A | 4 | 1 |
| 36663 | 94 | A | 4 | 1 |
Water quality scores in Mobile range from 71 to 94 — a spread of 23 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Mobile Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Mobile, Alabama:
Is Mobile water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Mobile's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Mobile tap water? Mobile's water receives a grade of A (85/100). There are 36 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Mobile? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Mobile vs. Alabama Average
Understanding how Mobile 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 Mobile.
ZIP Codes in Mobile
Mobile spans 36 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 36601. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. 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
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.