Is Fulton, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.6/100
waterverge.com Fulton, AL — Water Quality Report
Fulton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,859 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.7 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 21 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fulton's water
Fulton ranks #239 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
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, Fulton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fulton, AL water safe to drink?
Fulton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,859 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fulton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fulton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Fulton's water supply.
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
Fulton's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Bassett Creek.
Where does Fulton's water come from?
Fulton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,859 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bassett Creek (river).
What Fulton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fulton'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Fulton'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 Fulton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fulton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 353 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CANFOR SOUTHERN PINE - FULTON AL FULTON, AL36446 | Methanol | 353 | 1.1 mi |
SCOTCH PLYWOOD CO INC. FULTON, AL36446 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORP. CLARKE COUNTY OSB THOMASVILLE, AL36784 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
WESTERVELT LUMBER THOMASVILLE LLC THOMASVILLE, AL36784 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtClarke 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Fulton's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 5.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fulton compares by contaminant
Explore where Fulton ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fulton's water comes from
Fulton's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,859 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fulton
Fulton is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fulton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MID-CENTRAL WATER AUTHORITY | AL0001513 | 2,325 | SWP |
| FULTON, UTILITIES BOARD OF THE TOWN OF | AL0000254 | 534 | GW |
How Fulton compares
Full Alabama rankings →Fulton's score of 81.6/100 is on par with the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Fulton, AL
Wikipedia →Fulton is a town in Clarke County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 223.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fulton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clarke
Frequently asked questions
Is Fulton, AL tap water safe to drink?
Fulton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #239 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Fulton's water?
Lead was measured at 5.7 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Fulton'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 Fulton?
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 Fulton's water come from?
Fulton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,859 residents.
What health violations has Fulton's water system had?
Fulton has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fulton's water compare to other cities?
Fulton ranks #239 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 32% of state cities) and #7393 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.