Is Bear Creek, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Bear Creek, AL — Water Quality Report
Bear Creek's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Bear Creek's water
Bear Creek ranks #136 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Bear Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bear Creek, AL water safe to drink?
Bear Creek's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bear Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bear Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bear Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bear Creek's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Bear Creek.
Where does Bear Creek's water come from?
Bear Creek's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bear Creek (river).
What Bear Creek residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Bear Creek's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bear Creek
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bear Creek, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FREE STATE LUMBER CO INC HALEYVILLE, AL35565 | Arsenic compounds | 2 | 7.4 mi |
KITH KITCHENS LLC HALEYVILLE, AL35565 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
FONTAINE COMMERCIAL TRAILER INC (FORMERLY TRAILER CO ) HALEYVILLE, AL35565 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
GREAT SOUTHERN ENTERPRISES HALEYVILLE, AL35565 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
OWENS CORNING HALEYVILLE DOOR PLANT HALEYVILLE, AL35565 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMarion County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Marion County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bear Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Bear Creek ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bear Creek's water comes from
Bear Creek's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,150 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bear Creek
Bear Creek is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bear Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAR CREEK WATER WORKS | AL0000920 | 3,150 | SWP |
How Bear Creek compares
Full Alabama rankings →Bear Creek's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Bear Creek, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bear Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Bear Creek, AL tap water safe to drink?
Bear Creek's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #136 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Bear Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Bear Creek's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bear Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bear Creek's water come from?
Bear Creek's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 residents.
How does Bear Creek's water compare to other cities?
Bear Creek ranks #136 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 61% of state cities) and #3292 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bear Creek's small water system affect quality?
Bear Creek's system serves approximately 3,150 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 2 violations on record.