Opelika, AL Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Opelika by AL authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Opelika Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Opelika Water
- Average lead level: 0.0005 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.87 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Opelika
Residential water service in Opelika, AL is divided among 3 separate utilities, drawn from 6 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Opelika, Alabama (population ~43,973), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 185,934 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Opelika — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Opelika: B (83/100)
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
Opelika water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0005 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 4 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36801 | B | City of Opelika, Ww Bd. of the | 45,621 |
| 36802 | B | City of Opelika, Ww Bd. of the | 45,621 |
| 36803 | B | City of Opelika, Ww Bd. of the | 45,621 |
| 36804 | B | City of Opelika, Ww Bd. of the | 45,621 |
All ZIP Codes in Opelika
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.
Health Outcomes in Opelika
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Opelika Homeowners
When remediation costs are measured against Opelika home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Opelika are relatively low compared to home values. The $600–$2,050 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% above the Alabama average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Opelika
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.
Lead risk in Opelika appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Opelika
Although Opelika's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 3 claims and FEMA maps place 25% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Opelika has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $902 per payout. 25% 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>$1,300</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 Opelika, AL