WaterVerge

Is Castleberry, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AL0000337
Overall Score
87.7 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#161 of 353 in Alabama Top 25% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.7/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.7/100

Castleberry, AL — Water Quality Report

Castleberry's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,095 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 5.3 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 75 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Castleberry's water

Castleberry ranks #161 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Castleberry 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, Castleberry may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.7 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.7/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Castleberry, AL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Castleberry's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,095 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
5.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Castleberry

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Castleberry's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.7/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SALLY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4563). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Castleberry's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 5.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Castleberry's water system has 75 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Jan 2022 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2019 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2019 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2012 cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene Resolved
Oct 2012 Xylenes, Total Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Conecuh County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Murder Creek.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3618
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4563
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3545

Where does Castleberry's water come from?

Castleberry's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,095 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Murder Creek (river).

What Castleberry residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Castleberry's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Castleberry'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 35% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

75
Total violations
0
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Jan 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

75 Total
5 Active
0 Health-based
70 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
63
Total Coliform Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2012 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Oct 2012 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Showing 20 of 75 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Castleberry

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Castleberry, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 1,330 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KNUD NIELSEN CO INC - EVERGREEN
Miscellaneous Manufacturing · KNUD NIELSEN CO INC
EVERGREEN, AL36401
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)1,3309.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Conecuh 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
18.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Conecuh County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #3618
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #4563
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #3545
Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #3407
Oct 2017
HURRICANE NATE
Hurricane FEMA #3394
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3389

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Castleberry's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 5.3 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 2.3 ppb from 1993 (3.0 ppb) to 2024 (5.3 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Castleberry compares by contaminant

Explore where Castleberry ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,095
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Castleberry's water comes from

Groundwater

Castleberry'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 1,095 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Castleberry

Castleberry is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Murder Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Castleberry

System Name PWSID Population Source
CASTLEBERRY (TOWN OF) AL0000337 1,095 GW
Regional Comparison

How Castleberry compares

Full Alabama rankings →

Castleberry's score of 87.7/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Castleberry (this city)
87.7
Birmingham
89.2
Huntsville
69.8
Montgomery
88.7
Mobile
87.9
Tuscaloosa
87.6
Alabama avg
78
City Profile

About Castleberry, AL

Wikipedia →

Castleberry is a town in south central Conecuh County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 486. Castleberry is known as the "Strawberry Capital of Alabama" and is home to the annual Castleberry Strawberry Festival.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Castleberry, AL tap water safe to drink?

Castleberry's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #161 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.

What contaminants are in Castleberry's water?

Lead was measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile). 75 violations are on record.

How is Castleberry'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 Castleberry?

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 Castleberry's water come from?

Castleberry's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,095 residents.

Is Castleberry's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Castleberry 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 75 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 Castleberry's water compare to other cities?

Castleberry ranks #161 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 54% of state cities) and #3898 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Castleberry's small water system affect quality?

Castleberry's system serves approximately 1,095 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 75 violations on record.