Is Chatom, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.3/100
waterverge.com Chatom, AL — Water Quality Report
Chatom's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 6,954 residents using groundwater.
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 106 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chatom's water
Chatom ranks #321 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Chatom 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.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chatom, AL water safe to drink?
Chatom's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 6,954 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chatom
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chatom's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.3/100).
Contaminants: Vinyl chloride, p-Dichlorobenzene, Trichloroethylene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Fluoride.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chatom's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chatom's water system has 106 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington 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 Chatom's water come from?
Chatom's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 6,954 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Chatom residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chatom'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.
Chatom'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 Chatom
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chatom, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RESIN SOLUTIONS LLC - CHATOM FACILITY CHATOM, AL36518 | Zinc compounds | 9 | 1.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWashington 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
Washington 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.
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 Chatom compares by contaminant
Explore where Chatom ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chatom's water comes from
Chatom'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 6,954 people through 4 water systems.
Water systems serving Chatom
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WASHINGTON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | AL0001784 | 2,445 | GW |
| CHATOM, THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE TOWN | AL0001358 | 2,037 | GW |
| FRUITDALE WATER SYSTEM | AL0001360 | 1,809 | GWP |
| HOBSON WATER SYSTEM | AL0001361 | 663 | GWP |
How Chatom compares
Full Alabama rankings →Chatom's score of 66.3/100 is below the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chatom's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Chatom, AL tap water safe to drink?
Chatom's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #321 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Chatom's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 106 violations are on record.
How is Chatom'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 Chatom?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chatom's water come from?
Chatom's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 6,954 residents.
What health violations has Chatom's water system had?
Chatom has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chatom's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chatom 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 106 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 Chatom's water compare to other cities?
Chatom ranks #321 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 9% of state cities) and #11383 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.