Is Harpersville, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Harpersville ranks. What to do next ↓
94.7/100
waterverge.com Harpersville, AL — Water Quality Report
Harpersville's drinking water received a grade of A (94.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Harpersville's water
Harpersville ranks #27 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Harpersville 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, Harpersville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harpersville, AL water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Harpersville's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Harpersville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harpersville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Harpersville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Harpersville's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Shelby 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 Kelly Creek, Coosa River, Yellowleaf Creek.
Where does Harpersville's water come from?
Harpersville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,550 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kelly Creek (river), Coosa River (river), Yellowleaf Creek (river).
What Harpersville 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Harpersville'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 Harpersville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Harpersville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 31,725 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RESOLUTE FP US INC COOSA PINES OPERATIONS CHILDERSBURG, AL35044 | Manganese compounds | 24,230 | 4.3 mi |
E. C. GASTON ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT WILSONVILLE, AL35186 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 7,483 | 5.1 mi |
SOUTHERN ALLOY CORP SYLACAUGA, AL35150 | Nickel | 12 | 8.2 mi |
ENEOS USA INC. CHILDERSBURG, AL35044 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
COOPER STEEL SOUTH CHILDERSBURG, AL35044 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Harpersville
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.
- ALABAMA PLATING COMPANY INC5.8 mi
- ALABAMA ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT6.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtShelby 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
Shelby 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Harpersville compares by contaminant
Explore where Harpersville ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harpersville's water comes from
Harpersville'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 2,550 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Harpersville
Harpersville is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Harpersville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARPERSVILLE WATER BOARD | AL0001156 | 2,550 | GW |
How Harpersville compares
Full Alabama rankings →Harpersville's score of 94.7/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Harpersville, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harpersville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shelby
Frequently asked questions
Is Harpersville, AL tap water safe to drink?
Harpersville's water quality earned a grade of A (94.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Harpersville's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Harpersville'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 Harpersville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harpersville's water come from?
Harpersville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,550 residents.
Is Harpersville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Harpersville 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 6 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 Harpersville's water compare to other cities?
Harpersville ranks #27 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 92% of state cities) and #440 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Harpersville's small water system affect quality?
Harpersville's system serves approximately 2,550 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 6 violations on record.