Is Florala, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
waterverge.com Florala, AL — Water Quality Report
Florala's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,834 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 48 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Florala's water
Florala ranks #59 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Florala 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Florala, AL water safe to drink?
Florala's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,834 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Florala
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Florala's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Florala's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Florala's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Covington 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 Florala's water come from?
Florala's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,834 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Florala residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Florala'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.
Florala'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCovington 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
Covington 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Florala compares by contaminant
Explore where Florala ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Florala's water comes from
Florala'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 3,834 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Florala
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLORALA WATER WORKS & SEWER BOARD | AL0000363 | 3,834 | GW |
How Florala compares
Full Alabama rankings →Florala's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Florala, AL
Wikipedia →Florala is a town in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 1,923.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Florala's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Covington
Frequently asked questions
Is Florala, AL tap water safe to drink?
Florala's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #59 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Florala's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Florala'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 Florala?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Florala's water come from?
Florala's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,834 residents.
What health violations has Florala's water system had?
Florala has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Florala's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Florala 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 48 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 Florala's water compare to other cities?
Florala ranks #59 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 83% of state cities) and #1285 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.