Is Clayton, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.7/100
waterverge.com Clayton, AL — Water Quality Report
Clayton's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,326 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 60 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clayton's water
Clayton ranks #305 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Clayton 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 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clayton, AL water safe to drink?
Clayton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 4,326 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clayton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clayton's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4563). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clayton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Clayton's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Barbour 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.
Where does Clayton's water come from?
Clayton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 4,326 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Clayton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clayton'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.
Clayton'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 Clayton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clayton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,499 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KEYSTONE FOODS LLC - EUFAULA PLANT EUFAULA, AL36027 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,499 | 9.7 mi |
SOUTHEAST WOOD LOUISVILLE, AL36048 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
PROWOOD LLC LOUISVILLE LOUISVILLE, AL36048 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBarbour 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
Barbour 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Clayton'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.81 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clayton compares by contaminant
Explore where Clayton ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clayton's water comes from
Clayton'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 4,326 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Clayton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAYTON WATER WORKS & SEWER | AL0000082 | 2,064 | GW |
| WEST BARBOUR COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | AL0000087 | 1,395 | GW |
| MIDWAY WATER WORKS | AL0000116 | 867 | GW |
How Clayton compares
Full Alabama rankings →Clayton's score of 72.7/100 is below the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Clayton, AL
Wikipedia →Clayton is a town in and the county seat of Barbour County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2020 census, Clayton had a population of 2,265.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clayton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Barbour
Frequently asked questions
Is Clayton, AL tap water safe to drink?
Clayton's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #305 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Clayton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Clayton'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 Clayton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clayton's water come from?
Clayton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 4,326 residents.
What health violations has Clayton's water system had?
Clayton has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clayton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clayton 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 60 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 Clayton's water compare to other cities?
Clayton ranks #305 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 14% of state cities) and #10251 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.