Is Hayden, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Hayden, AL — Water Quality Report
Hayden's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,589 residents using purchased surface 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 20 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hayden's water
Hayden ranks #149 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Hayden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hayden, AL water safe to drink?
Hayden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,589 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hayden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hayden's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hayden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Hayden's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Blount County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Mulberry Fork.
Where does Hayden's water come from?
Hayden's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,589 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mulberry Fork (river).
What Hayden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hayden'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.
Hayden'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 Hayden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hayden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 780,246 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON FARMS INC. RIVER VALLEY INGREDIENTS - HANCEVILLE HANCEVILLE, AL35077 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 780,246 | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBlount County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Blount County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1977. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hayden'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.480 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hayden compares by contaminant
Explore where Hayden ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hayden's water comes from
Hayden'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 2,589 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hayden
Hayden 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 Hayden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAYDEN WATER WORKS | AL0000102 | 2,589 | SWP |
How Hayden compares
Full Alabama rankings →Hayden's score of 88/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Hayden, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hayden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blount
Frequently asked questions
Is Hayden, AL tap water safe to drink?
Hayden's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #149 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Hayden's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Hayden'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 Hayden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hayden's water come from?
Hayden's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,589 residents.
How does Hayden's water compare to other cities?
Hayden ranks #149 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 58% of state cities) and #3706 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hayden's small water system affect quality?
Hayden's system serves approximately 2,589 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 20 violations on record.