Sylvania, AL: High Radon Risk — 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Sylvania, AL: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How Sylvania Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Sylvania Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 56% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.92 — above typical levels.
Sylvania's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 2 systems in Sylvania, AL. The leading 2 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sylvania, Alabama (population ~2,376), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 82,329 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sylvania — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sylvania: D (50/100)
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
Sylvania water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sylvania
- 0 ZIP codes 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35988 | D | NORTHEAST ALABAMA WATER, SEWER, AND FPD | 47,070 |
All ZIP Codes in Sylvania
- 35988 [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.
Sylvania Community Health Snapshot
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
Sylvania Infrastructure Age
With 56% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Sylvania is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1989 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Sylvania 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Sylvania
When remediation costs are measured against Sylvania 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 Sylvania are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 22% below the Alabama average.
Sylvania: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Sylvania — 56% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Sylvania
- 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. With 56% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 Sylvania, AL