Is Cowarts, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.1/100
waterverge.com Cowarts, AL — Water Quality Report
Cowarts's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,262 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Cowarts's water
Cowarts ranks #126 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cowarts 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, Cowarts may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cowarts, AL water safe to drink?
Cowarts's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,262 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cowarts
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cowarts's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4563). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cowarts's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cowarts's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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.
Where does Cowarts's water come from?
Cowarts's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,262 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cowarts residents can do
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.
Cowarts'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 Cowarts
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cowarts, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SMARTLAM NA LLC DOTHAN, AL36301 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS LLC - DOTHAN FRESH PLANT DOTHAN, AL36303 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
DUNBARTON CORP REDIFRAME DIV DOTHAN, AL36303 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
TWITCHELL TECHNICAL PRODUCTS LLC DOTHAN, AL36303 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
COVENANT STEEL WAREHOUSE DOTHAN, AL36303 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Cowarts
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- AMERICAN BRASS INC9.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cowarts compares by contaminant
Explore where Cowarts ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cowarts's water comes from
Cowarts'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 2,262 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cowarts
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COWARTS WATER SYSTEM | AL0000678 | 2,262 | GW |
How Cowarts compares
Full Alabama rankings →Cowarts's score of 89.1/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Cowarts, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cowarts's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Houston
Frequently asked questions
Is Cowarts, AL tap water safe to drink?
Cowarts's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #126 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Cowarts's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Cowarts'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 Cowarts?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cowarts's water come from?
Cowarts's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,262 residents.
What health violations has Cowarts's water system had?
Cowarts has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Cowarts's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cowarts 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 2 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 Cowarts's water compare to other cities?
Cowarts ranks #126 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 64% of state cities) and #3026 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cowarts's small water system affect quality?
Cowarts's system serves approximately 2,262 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 2 violations on record.