Is Garden City, 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 ↓
91.6/100
waterverge.com Garden City, AL — Water Quality Report
Garden City's drinking water received a grade of A (91.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 780 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 8 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Garden City's water
Garden City ranks #68 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it above 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.
As a small community water system, Garden City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Garden City, AL water safe to drink?
Garden City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 780 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Garden City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Garden City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Garden City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Garden City's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cullman County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Blue Springs Creek, Mulberry Fork.
Where does Garden City's water come from?
Garden City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 780 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Blue Springs Creek (river), Mulberry Fork (river).
What Garden City 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.
Garden City'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 Garden City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Garden City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,651,263 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON FARMS INC. - BLOUNTSVILLE PROCESSING PLANT BLOUNTSVILLE, AL35031 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 871,017 | 9.9 mi |
TYSON FARMS INC. RIVER VALLEY INGREDIENTS - HANCEVILLE HANCEVILLE, AL35077 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 780,246 | 5.3 mi |
CULLMAN CASTING CORP CULLMAN, AL35055 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
REHAU AUTOMOTIVE LLC CULLMAN, AL35055 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
WEBB WHEEL CULLMAN, AL35055 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCullman County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Cullman County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Garden City compares by contaminant
Explore where Garden City ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Garden City's water comes from
Garden City'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 780 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Garden City
Garden City is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Garden City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARDEN CITY WATER DEPARTMENT | AL0000404 | 780 | SWP |
How Garden City compares
Full Alabama rankings →Garden City's score of 91.6/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Garden City, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Garden City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cullman
Frequently asked questions
Is Garden City, AL tap water safe to drink?
Garden City's water quality earned a grade of A (91.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #68 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Garden City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Garden City'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 Garden City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Garden City's water come from?
Garden City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 780 residents.
What health violations has Garden City's water system had?
Garden City has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Garden City's water compare to other cities?
Garden City ranks #68 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 81% of state cities) and #1613 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Garden City's small water system affect quality?
Garden City's system serves approximately 780 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 8 violations on record.