Is Brookside, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Brookside ranks. What to do next ↓
95.7/100
waterverge.com Brookside, AL — Water Quality Report
Brookside's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,640 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 3 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Brookside's water
Brookside ranks #23 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Brookside may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brookside, AL water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Brookside's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,640 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Brookside
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brookside's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.7/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brookside's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brookside's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Turkey Creek, Locust Fork, Fivemile Creek, Five Mile Creek Nr Sayre, Ala, Village Creek.
Where does Brookside's water come from?
Brookside's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,640 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Turkey Creek (river), Locust Fork (river), Fivemile Creek (river), Five Mile Creek Nr Sayre, Ala (river), Village Creek (river).
What Brookside 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.
Brookside'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 Brookside
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brookside, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 19,740 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MILLER STEAM PLANT QUINTON, AL35130 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 14,706 | 8.4 mi |
AMERICAN CAST IRON PIPE CO. BIRMINGHAM, AL35207 | Manganese compounds | 4,059 | 7.2 mi |
DRUMMOND CO INC ABC COKE DIV TARRANT, AL35217 | Cyanide compounds | 780 | 8.2 mi |
METALPLATE GALVANIZING LP BIRMINGHAM, AL35234 | Zinc compounds | 108 | 9.6 mi |
NUCOR STEEL BIRMINGHAM INC BIRMINGHAM, AL35234 | Zinc compounds | 87 | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Brookside
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- 35TH AVENUE8.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtJefferson 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
Jefferson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Brookside compares by contaminant
Explore where Brookside ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brookside's water comes from
Brookside'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 2,640 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Brookside
Brookside is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Brookside
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROOKSIDE WATER WORKS | AL0000741 | 2,640 | SWP |
How Brookside compares
Full Alabama rankings →Brookside's score of 95.7/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Brookside, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brookside's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Brookside, AL tap water safe to drink?
Brookside's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Brookside's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Brookside'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 Brookside?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brookside's water come from?
Brookside's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,640 residents.
What health violations has Brookside's water system had?
Brookside has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Brookside's water compare to other cities?
Brookside ranks #23 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 93% of state cities) and #285 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Brookside's small water system affect quality?
Brookside's system serves approximately 2,640 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 3 violations on record.