Is Beatrice, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Beatrice, AL — Water Quality Report
Beatrice's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,485 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Beatrice's water
Beatrice ranks #178 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Beatrice relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Beatrice may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Beatrice, AL water safe to drink?
Beatrice's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,485 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Beatrice
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Beatrice's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: LASSO.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Beatrice's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Beatrice's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Monroe County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Beatrice's water come from?
Beatrice's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,485 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Beatrice residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Beatrice's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Beatrice'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 Beatrice
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Beatrice, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SCOTCH PLYWOOD CO INC. BEATRICE, AL36425 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMonroe County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Monroe County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Beatrice's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Beatrice compares by contaminant
Explore where Beatrice ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Beatrice's water comes from
Beatrice's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,485 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Beatrice
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEATRICE, TOWN OF | AL0001044 | 1,485 | GW |
How Beatrice compares
Full Alabama rankings →Beatrice's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Beatrice, AL
Wikipedia →Beatrice is a town in Monroe County, Alabama, United States. It incorporated in 1901. At the 2020 census the population was 204, down from 301 in 2010 and 412 in 2000.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Beatrice's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monroe
Frequently asked questions
Is Beatrice, AL tap water safe to drink?
Beatrice's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #178 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Beatrice's water?
Lead was measured at 6.8 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Beatrice'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 Beatrice?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Beatrice's water come from?
Beatrice's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,485 residents.
What health violations has Beatrice's water system had?
Beatrice has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Beatrice's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Beatrice uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 13 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Beatrice's water compare to other cities?
Beatrice ranks #178 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 50% of state cities) and #4530 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Beatrice's small water system affect quality?
Beatrice's system serves approximately 1,485 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 13 violations on record.