Safford, AL Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water data for Safford, AL shows a low safety grade — health-based violations appear across a meaningful share of service areas in current EPA records.
How Safford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Safford Water
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 18.24 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Safford
One utility dominates residential water service in Safford, AL — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Safford, Alabama, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 327 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Safford — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Safford: D (53/100)
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
Safford water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Safford
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36773 | D | ORRVILLE WATER DEPARTMENT, TOWN OF | 435 |
All ZIP Codes in Safford
- 36773 [D]
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 Safford
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Safford
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 Safford, where the median build year is 1995, 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 Safford 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 Safford Homeowners
Placing remediation in the context of Safford's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Safford are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 60% above the Alabama average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Safford
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.
25% — that captures the slice of Safford 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.
What You Can Do in Safford
- 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.
- 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 Safford, AL