Verbena, AL Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Verbena meets baseline drinking water standards, some AL-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Verbena Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Verbena Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 45% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.93 — above typical levels.
Verbena's Water Providers
Most residential addresses in Verbena, AL are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Verbena, Alabama (population ~3,707), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 8,670 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Verbena — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Verbena: C (63/100)
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
Verbena water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Verbena
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36091 | C | MARBURY WATER SYSTEM, INC. | 8,670 |
All ZIP Codes in Verbena
- 36091 [C]
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.
Verbena 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
Verbena Infrastructure Age
With 45% 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
Over the decades, Verbena accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1998 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 Verbena 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Verbena
Given current Verbena property values, the remediation share falls in the moderate tier — an indicator that the household financial perspective here calls for advance planning rather than dismissal, with most homeowners positioned to address documented issues through deliberate budgeting rather than needing to treat remediation as a significant equity event or financial emergency.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Verbena. The estimated $800–$2,600 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 20% below the Alabama average.
Verbena: 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.
Before the federal solder ban, lead solder was a routine plumbing material, and 45% of the Verbena 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.
Verbena: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Multiple flood events have been recorded for Verbena through the NFIP — 3 claims in total, with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones — pointing to a flood exposure profile that merits inclusion in a water quality assessment without reaching high-severity planning territory.
Verbena has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $2,886 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Verbena
- 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 45% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Verbena, AL