Vandiver, AL Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent EPA cycles, Vandiver shows a persistent below-average water quality pattern within AL — documented violations span multiple service areas and have appeared consistently across reporting periods.
How Vandiver Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Vandiver Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 40% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.18 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Vandiver
Residential addresses in Vandiver, AL are served by 3 primary water providers out of 3 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Vandiver, Alabama (population ~618), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 628,254 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Vandiver — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Vandiver: 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
Vandiver water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Vandiver
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35176 | D | CENTRAL ALABAMA WATER SYSTEM | 585,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Vandiver
- 35176 [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.
CDC Health Data for Vandiver
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 Vandiver's Housing Stock?
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
Over the decades, Vandiver accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1980 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Vandiver 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.
Vandiver: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Within the Vandiver market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Vandiver are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 31% below the Alabama average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Vandiver
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.
Before the federal solder ban, lead solder was a routine plumbing material, and 40% of the Vandiver inventory was built in that earlier era — a share large enough to move household-level reads onto the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Vandiver
- 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 40% 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 Vandiver, AL