Etowah County, AL Lead Risk: Housing & Water

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Lead Risk Overview

The average of the reported 90th-percentile lead results across the ZIP codes of Etowah County is 0.0016 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L). 0 ZIP codes are above the EPA action level out of 10 monitored.

Approximately 63% of housing in Etowah County was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned in plumbing. Older homes have higher risk of lead contamination from pipes, solder joints, and fixtures.

Cities with Highest Lead Levels

EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L. ⚠ indicates values exceeding this threshold.

Lead Testing Trend

Historical 90th percentile lead levels from water systems serving Etowah County:

When the quarterly source does not publish sample counts, multi-system lead values are unweighted means of the available system 90th-percentile reports. They are not weighted by sample count.

Federal Lead Pipe Replacement Funding

Alabama receives $28.6M in federal LCRI funding (FY2025) for lead service line inventory and replacement. 49% is available as grants or loan forgiveness.

Why Lead in Water Matters

Lead is a neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure, according to the CDC. Children under 6 are most vulnerable — even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Adults exposed to lead may experience high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.

Lead typically enters drinking water through corrosion of lead pipes, solder, and fixtures — not from the water source itself. This means even water systems with clean source water can deliver lead-contaminated water to homes with older plumbing.

EPA Lead and Copper Rule

Under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule, water systems must test tap water at customer homes. If more than 10% of samples exceed 15 ppb (0.015 mg/L), the system must take corrective action including corrosion control treatment, public education, and potentially lead service line replacement.

The 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require all water systems to inventory their lead service lines and replace them within 10 years. This will significantly impact water systems across Etowah County.

How to Test for Lead in Etowah County

1. Contact your water utility for free or low-cost lead testing

2. Certified home test kits — $20-$50 at hardware stores

3. Professional lab test — $150-$400 for comprehensive metals panel

4. Run cold water before drinking after water has sat in the pipes — how long to flush depends on your plumbing and whether you have a lead service line; ask your utility

5. Check your service line — contact your utility to find out if your home has a lead service line

Reducing Lead Exposure

If lead is detected in your water, several steps can reduce exposure:

• Flush pipes — after water has sat in the pipes, run the cold tap before drinking or cooking; how long depends on your plumbing and service line, and flushing alone may not clear water from a lead service line. Ask your utility how long to flush

• Use cold water for cooking and baby formula — hot water dissolves more lead from pipes

• Install a certified filter — choose a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for lead reduction (check the product's certification listing)

• Replace lead fixtures — older faucets and valves may contain lead even if pipes don't

Schools and Childcare Facilities

Lead testing requirements for Schools and childcare centers in Etowah County depend on state law; many states require or fund testing in schools and childcare centers. Many older school buildings have outdated plumbing that can leach lead. Parents should request water testing results from their children's schools and advocate for remediation if levels exceed EPA guidelines.

EPA's 3Ts program gives schools and child care facilities guidance for testing drinking water for lead; the 15 ppb action level applies to community water systems, not to individual school taps.

Data Sources

• Lead levels: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
• Blood lead: CDC Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance
• Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
• LCRI funding: EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

Source publication schedules vary. See the page source and verification fields for available timing evidence.

Should you test your water for lead?

Lead usually comes from service lines and plumbing between the water main and your tap, not the treatment plant. If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your drinking water for lead - especially if you have young children.