ZipCheckup grade for 36561: B.
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Orange Beach, AL (36561): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 72/100
EPA data combined for 2 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Orange Beach Water Sewer and F.p.a.)
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 36561 in Orange Beach, AL contain 68 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 0 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 68 violations (non-health) (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result is below the laboratory reporting limit, not a measured zero; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
- Radon EPA Zone 3 - county-level radon potential, not evidence of a low home result.
- Flood 4,779 cumulative NFIP claim records. This historical count is not a current property-risk verdict.
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Orange Beach (36561): one critical alert.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 72/100
This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (7) HIGH
Your Water System
ZIP code 36561 in Orange Beach, Alabama is mapped to the water system Orange Beach Water Sewer and F.p.a. (EPA ID: AL0000053). This system provides water to approximately 17,796 people from groundwater sources.
There are 2 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Beach Water Sewer and F.p.a. | AL0000053 | 17,796 | Groundwater |
| City of Gulf Shores, the Ub of the | AL0000038 | 40,947 | Groundwater |
Other Water Quality Reports in Alabama
- 35004 (Moody) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35005 (Adamsville) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35006 (Adger)
- 35007 (Alabaster) - 35 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35010 (Alexander City) - 11 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35011 (Alexander City)
- 35013 (Allgood)
- 35014 (Alpine) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35015 (Alton)
- 35016 (Arab) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35019 (Baileyton) - 8 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35020 (Bessemer) - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35021 (Bessemer)
- 35022 (Bessemer) - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35023 (Bessemer) - 12 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35031 (Blountsville) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35032 (Bon Air)
- 35033 (Bremen)
- 35034 (Brent) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 35035 (Brierfield) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 36547 (Gulf Shores) - 8 mi
- 36530 (Elberta) - 8 mi - 40 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 36511 (Bon Secour) - 10 mi
- 36549 (Lillian) - 10 mi - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 36535 (Foley) - 10 mi - 34 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 36542 (Gulf Shores) - 11 mi - 68 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 36536 (Foley) - 12 mi
- 36555 (Magnolia Springs) - 14 mi
- 36580 (Summerdale) - 15 mi - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 36574 (Seminole) - 17 mi
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Orange Beach Water Sewer and F.p.a. (AL0000053) on EPA.gov.
4 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 36561. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: 6:2 FTS, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHxS, PFBA, PFHpA, PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFBS.
Highest measured level: 0.2201 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Health Risks from Detected Contaminants
Radium-228
High RiskEPA reference value: 5 pCi/L (MCL for combined Radium-226 & 228)
Increased cancer risk, including bone cancer (known carcinogen)
At-risk groups: people who drink water with radium above the MCL over many years
Treatment options (verify a product is certified to reduce this contaminant): ion exchange (water softener), reverse osmosis, lime softening · Find a filter →
Radium-226
High RiskEPA reference value: 5 pCi/L (MCL for combined Radium-226 & 228)
Increased cancer risk, including bone cancer (known carcinogen)
At-risk groups: people who drink water with radium above the MCL over many years
Treatment options (verify a product is certified to reduce this contaminant): ion exchange (water softener), reverse osmosis, lime softening · Find a filter →
Environmental Hazards (11) HIGH
Home & Infrastructure (6) OK
Cost & Community (8) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Orange Beach
Based on local data for ZIP 36561, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Orange Beach has 4,779 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Service recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 36561 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 68 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 36561 (primary system: Orange Beach Water Sewer and F.p.a.), including 0 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 36561's water come from?
The recorded water source for Orange Beach Water Sewer and F.p.a., a system mapped to ZIP code 36561, is Groundwater. This system serves approximately 17,796 people.
How does Orange Beach water compare to the national average?
Orange Beach's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 53% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 56% of ZIP codes within Alabama.
How can I get my water tested in Orange Beach?
If Orange Beach Water Sewer and F.p.a. supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
What is the radon risk for 36561?
36561 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 3 (low county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Baldwin County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 36561's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 36561. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 36561?
FEMA records contain 4779 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 36561; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is AE, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. This is a substantial claim history, but claim count is not a count of distinct events or properties. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Orange Beach, AL (36561): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 72/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/36561/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-36561,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Orange Beach, AL (36561): PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level - 72/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/36561/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 36561
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36547 | Gulf Shores, AL | 7.5 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 36530 | Elberta, AL | 7.8 mi | A | 40 |
| 36511 | Bon Secour, AL | 9.9 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 36549 | Lillian, AL | 10.3 mi | A | 5 |
| 36535 | Foley, AL | 10.3 mi | A | 34 |
| 36542 | Gulf Shores, AL | 10.6 mi | A | 68 |
| 36536 | Foley, AL | 12.3 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 36555 | Magnolia Springs, AL | 14.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 36580 | Summerdale, AL | 15.1 mi | A | 6 |
| 36574 | Seminole, AL | 16.9 mi | A | 0 |
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