WaterVerge

Is Forkland, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AL0001428
Overall Score
85.7 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#198 of 353 in Alabama Top 33% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.7/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.7/100

Forkland, AL — Water Quality Report

Forkland's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,137 residents using purchased ground water.

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 76 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Forkland's water

Forkland ranks #198 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Forkland purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.

As a small community water system, Forkland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.7 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
35.7/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Forkland, AL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Forkland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,137 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Forkland

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Forkland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SALLY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
34 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Vinyl chloride, o-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Forkland's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Forkland's water system has 76 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTMRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Sep 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Aug 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Jan 2020 Vinyl chloride Resolved
Jan 2020 o-Dichlorobenzene Resolved
Jan 2020 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Greene County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Black Warrior River, Black Warrior River Below Selden Dam Nr Eutaw, Tombigbee R, Tombigbee River Bl Demopolis L&D.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3618
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3545
HURRICANE NATE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3394

Where does Forkland's water come from?

Forkland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,137 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black Warrior River (river), Black Warrior River Below Selden Dam Nr Eutaw (river), Tombigbee R (river), Tombigbee River Bl Demopolis L&D (river).

What Forkland residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Monitor alerts during storms

Forkland'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
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

76
Total violations
2
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Sep 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

76 Total
6 Active
2 Health-based
70 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Inorganic Chemicals
11
Total Coliform Rule
11
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Nitrate Rule
3
Sep 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Aug 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jan 1998 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1997 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2020 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Showing 20 of 76 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Forkland

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Forkland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CEMEX SOUTHEAST LLC - DEMOPOLIS PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CEMEX INC
DEMOPOLIS, AL36732
9.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Greene 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.

4
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
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

Greene County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #3618
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #3545
Oct 2017
HURRICANE NATE
Hurricane FEMA #3394
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3389
Aug 2008
HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA #3292
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3237

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,137
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Forkland's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

Forkland purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.

Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Forkland's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.

Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,137 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Forkland

Forkland is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Black Warrior River
river
Black Warrior River Below Selden Dam Nr Eutaw
river
Tombigbee R
river
Tombigbee River Bl Demopolis L&D
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Forkland

System Name PWSID Population Source
FORKLAND WATER SYSTEM AL0001428 1,137 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Forkland compares

Full Alabama rankings →

Forkland's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Forkland (this city)
85.7
Birmingham
89.2
Huntsville
69.8
Montgomery
88.7
Mobile
87.9
Tuscaloosa
87.6
Alabama avg
78
City Profile

About Forkland, AL

Wikipedia →

Forkland is a town in Greene County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 445. The town was incorporated in 1974.

Economic Profile
$28,367
Median Income
$63,832
Median Home Value
$712/mo
Median Rent
6.8%
Unemployment
Community
44
Median Age
110
People / sq mi
20.8%
College Educated
62.2%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Forkland, AL tap water safe to drink?

Forkland's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #198 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.

What contaminants are in Forkland's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 76 violations are on record.

How is Forkland'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 Forkland?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Forkland's water come from?

Forkland's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,137 residents.

What health violations has Forkland's water system had?

Forkland has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.

Is Forkland's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Forkland 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 76 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 Forkland's water compare to other cities?

Forkland ranks #198 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 44% of state cities) and #5181 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Forkland's small water system affect quality?

Forkland's system serves approximately 1,137 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 76 violations on record.