Rutledge, AL Water Safety: 99/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Rutledge tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for AL — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Rutledge Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Rutledge Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0051 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 65% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 16 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Rutledge
The structure of water supply in Rutledge, AL is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rutledge, Alabama, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 619 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rutledge — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rutledge: A (99/100)
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
Rutledge water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0051 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36071 | A | Rutledge Water Works | 789 |
All ZIP Codes in Rutledge
- 36071 [A]
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 Rutledge
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 Rutledge's Housing Stock?
With 65% 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
When a city's housing median build year is 1972, as in Rutledge, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Rutledge were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Rutledge
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 65% of the Rutledge inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Rutledge, AL