Is Columbia, 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 ↓
65.2/100
waterverge.com Columbia, AL — Water Quality Report
Columbia's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,179 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 88 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Columbia's water
Columbia ranks #326 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Columbia 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.
As a small community water system, Columbia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 61 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Columbia, AL water safe to drink?
Columbia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,179 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Columbia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Columbia's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Carbon tetrachloride, Trichloroethylene.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-226.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Columbia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Columbia's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 61 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Houston 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 Chattahoochee River, Sawhatchee Creek.
Where does Columbia's water come from?
Columbia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,179 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chattahoochee River (lake), Sawhatchee Creek (river).
What Columbia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Columbia'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.
Columbia'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 Columbia
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Columbia, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 280,742 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA-PACIFIC CEDAR SPRINGS LLC CEDAR SPRINGS, GA39832 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 280,742 | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtHouston County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 26.5% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Houston 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Columbia compares by contaminant
Explore where Columbia ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Columbia's water comes from
Columbia'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 1,179 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Columbia
Columbia is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Columbia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLUMBIA WATER WORKS | AL0000676 | 1,179 | GW |
How Columbia compares
Full Alabama rankings →Columbia's score of 65.2/100 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 →About Columbia, AL
Wikipedia →Columbia is a rural town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Columbia had a population of 690.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Columbia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Houston
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia, AL tap water safe to drink?
Columbia's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #326 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Columbia's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Columbia'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 Columbia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Columbia's water come from?
Columbia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,179 residents.
What health violations has Columbia's water system had?
Columbia has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Columbia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Columbia 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 88 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 Columbia's water compare to other cities?
Columbia ranks #326 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 8% of state cities) and #11557 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Columbia's small water system affect quality?
Columbia's system serves approximately 1,179 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 88 violations on record.