Water Quality in Sweet Water, AL: 10 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 87/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Sweet Water's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Sweet Water in AL has 10 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Sweet Water
Water quality varies across Sweet Water's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36782 | A | 87 | 10 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Sweet Water.
Water Quality Overview
Sweet Water, Alabama receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 87 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Sweet Water have accumulated 10 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 465 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Sweet Water's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Sweet Water water systems is 0.0005 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 53% of homes built before 1986, Sweet Water 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 Sweet Water
Sweet Water is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 465 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Sweet Water. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Sweet Water
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 Sweet Water Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Sweet Water's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 8 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Sweet Water:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 3 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Sweet Water. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-08-20 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-06-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-03-23 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-25.
Sweet Water vs. Nearby Alabama Cities
How Sweet Water's water quality compares to similar cities in Alabama:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Water | A | 10 | 1 | 465 |
| Dixons Mills | C | 0 | 1 | 465 |
| Nanafalia | C | 0 | 1 | 465 |
| Detroit | B | 3 | 1 | 435 |
Common Questions About Sweet Water Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Sweet Water, Alabama:
Is Sweet Water water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Sweet Water's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Sweet Water tap water? Sweet Water's water receives a grade of A (87/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Sweet Water? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Sweet Water vs. Alabama Average
Understanding how Sweet Water 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 Sweet Water.
ZIP Codes in Sweet Water
Sweet Water spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 36782. 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.