Owens Cross Roads, AL: 30 Violations - Home Safety 40/100
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for Owens Cross Roads: D.
Several federal signals point to home-safety risks in this ZIP.
Your top priority: see the breakdown below and consider a certified water filter. NSF certified filters →
For households across Owens Cross Roads, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by AL EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address - system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Owens Cross Roads Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
What You Should Know About Owens Cross Roads Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 30 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0024 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 10% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.86 - above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Owens Cross Roads
4 water systems are tracked federally in Owens Cross Roads, AL. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
- D
- D
- D
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama (population ~19,505), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 449,007 people region-wide. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
1 of 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count in the available EPA record (100%) have recorded EPA violations. The available record reports no health-based violations for this measured scope.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Owens Cross Roads: D (40/100)
Model 4.0.0 uses four measured components across three equally weighted domains. If a required domain is unavailable, no score is published:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| PFAS MCL Screen | UCMR 5 testing against the covered federal MCLs |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
| Annual AQI | EPA AirData county-year median with at least 90 observed days |
Water Sources
Owens Cross Roads water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0024 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 2005 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2010 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2015 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2020 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2031 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35763 | D | 30 | 0 | Huntsville Utilities Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Owens Cross Roads
- 35763 [D] - 30 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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
Health Outcomes in Owens Cross Roads
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
Top Contaminants in Owens Cross Roads Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Owens Cross Roads
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
Owens Cross Roads's housing stock skews relatively recent, with a median build year of 2004. Homes constructed after 1986 avoid the lead-soldered copper joints that were standard before the federal ban - reducing aggregate risk from plumbing as a contamination pathway.
Most homes in Owens Cross Roads 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Owens Cross Roads Homeowners
How much of a Owens Cross Roads home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction - the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Owens Cross Roads are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,000–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 123% above the Alabama average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Owens Cross Roads
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.
Pre-rule stock in Owens Cross Roads accounts for 10% of the inventory - a modest fraction - and citywide samples land safely beneath the federal action mark.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Historical NFIP Claim Context in Owens Cross Roads
Historical NFIP data for Owens Cross Roads contains 95 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $14,079. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 100% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
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. The <strong>$3,000</strong> remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
What You Can Do in Owens Cross Roads
- 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. Filters rated for Contaminant 2005 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Owens Cross Roads's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Owens Cross Roads, AL