Is Hobson City, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Hobson City, AL — Water Quality Report
Hobson City's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 633 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 22 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hobson City's water
Hobson City ranks #117 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, Hobson City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hobson City, AL water safe to drink?
Hobson City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 633 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hobson City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hobson City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Hobson City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hobson City's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Calhoun County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Choccolocco Creek.
Where does Hobson City's water come from?
Hobson City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 633 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Choccolocco Creek (river).
What Hobson City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hobson City'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.
Hobson 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 Hobson City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hobson City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4,746 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GOLD BOND BUILDING PRODUCTS - ANNISTON OXFORD, AL36203 | Thiabendazole | 4,419 | 5.0 mi |
TYLER UNION ANNISTON, AL36201 | Phenol | 253 | 3.5 mi |
M & H VALVE CO ANNISTON, AL36201 | Manganese | 54 | 3.9 mi |
GENERAL DYNAMICS OTS (ANNISTON) ANNISTON, AL36207 | Lead | 12 | 3.2 mi |
RENAISSANCE MANUFACTURING GROUP ANNISTON LLC ANNISTON, AL36206 | Copper | 8 | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Hobson City
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.
- ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT SOUTHEAST INDUSTRIAL AREA7.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCalhoun 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
Calhoun County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hobson City compares by contaminant
Explore where Hobson City ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hobson City's water comes from
Hobson 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 633 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hobson City
Hobson City 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 Hobson City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOBSON CITY WATER SYSTEM | AL0000149 | 633 | SWP |
How Hobson City compares
Full Alabama rankings →Hobson City's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Hobson City, AL
Wikipedia →Hobson City is a town in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 759. It is included in the Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area. Hobson City became Alabama's first self-governed all-black municipality in 1899 and continues to have an African American majority.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hobson City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calhoun
Frequently asked questions
Is Hobson City, AL tap water safe to drink?
Hobson City's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #117 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Hobson City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Hobson 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 Hobson City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hobson City's water come from?
Hobson City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 633 residents.
How does Hobson City's water compare to other cities?
Hobson City ranks #117 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 67% of state cities) and #2866 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hobson City's small water system affect quality?
Hobson City's system serves approximately 633 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 22 violations on record.