WaterVerge

Is Coffeeville, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AL0000252
Overall Score
74.6 / 100
Violations
7 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#298 of 353 in Alabama Top 62% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
74.6/100
waterverge.com
B- 74.6/100

Coffeeville, AL — Water Quality Report

Coffeeville's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,730 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 11.0 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 10 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Coffeeville's water

Coffeeville ranks #298 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
74.6 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
13/20
C
Lead at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Coffeeville, AL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Coffeeville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,730 residents using groundwater (wells).

7
Active Violations
11.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Coffeeville

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coffeeville's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.6/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Fluoride.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: E. COLI.

Disaster
HURRICANE ZETA

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 Coffeeville's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 11.0 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

Coffeeville's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRTTOther
Most recent violations:
Jan 2023 Fluoride Resolved
Oct 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Sep 2022 E. COLI Open
Sep 2022 E. COLI Open
Oct 2012 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Clarke 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. Local water sources include Tombigbee R, Tombigbee R Bl Coffeeville L&D, Satilpa Creek.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3618
HURRICANE ZETA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4573
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4563

Where does Coffeeville's water come from?

Coffeeville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,730 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tombigbee R (river), Tombigbee R Bl Coffeeville L&D (river), Satilpa Creek (river).

What Coffeeville residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Coffeeville'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
Near Limit
11.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 73% of limit
Near LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

10
Total violations
1
Health-based
7
Active / unresolved
Jan 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

10 Total
7 Active
1 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Ground Water Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Inorganic Chemicals
1
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Oct 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Sep 2022 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Sep 2022 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2012 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2023 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jun 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2008
Aug 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 1998
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Clarke 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.

6
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
19.0%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
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

Clarke 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.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #3618
Dec 2020
HURRICANE ZETA
Hurricane FEMA #4573
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #4563
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #3545
Nov 2017
HURRICANE NATE
Hurricane FEMA #4349
Oct 2017
HURRICANE NATE
Hurricane FEMA #3394

Recommended water filters

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

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 11.0 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 11.0 15 ppb Inorganic Near Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 6.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2024 (11.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Coffeeville compares by contaminant

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

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,730
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Coffeeville's water comes from

Groundwater

Coffeeville'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 2,730 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Coffeeville

Coffeeville is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Tombigbee R
river
Tombigbee R Bl Coffeeville L&D
river
Satilpa Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Coffeeville

System Name PWSID Population Source
COFFEEVILLE WATER WORKS, TOWN OF AL0000252 2,730 GW
Regional Comparison

How Coffeeville compares

Full Alabama rankings →

Coffeeville's score of 74.6/100 is on par with the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Coffeeville (this city)
74.6
Birmingham
89.2
Huntsville
69.8
Montgomery
88.7
Mobile
87.9
Tuscaloosa
87.6
Alabama avg
78
City Profile

About Coffeeville, AL

Economic Profile
$26,000
Median Income
$90,811
Median Home Value
$383/mo
Median Rent
53.2%
Unemployment
Community
44.3
Median Age
19
People / sq mi
15.2%
College Educated
62%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Coffeeville, AL tap water safe to drink?

Coffeeville's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #298 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.

What contaminants are in Coffeeville's water?

Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.

How is Coffeeville'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 Coffeeville?

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 Coffeeville's water come from?

Coffeeville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,730 residents.

What health violations has Coffeeville's water system had?

Coffeeville has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.

Is Coffeeville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Coffeeville 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 10 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 Coffeeville's water compare to other cities?

Coffeeville ranks #298 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 16% of state cities) and #9790 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Coffeeville's small water system affect quality?

Coffeeville's system serves approximately 2,730 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 10 violations on record.