Is Lexington, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.3/100
waterverge.com Lexington, AL — Water Quality Report
Lexington's drinking water received a grade of B (77.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,127 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 31 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lexington's water
Lexington ranks #284 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lexington purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Lexington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lexington, AL water safe to drink?
Lexington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,127 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lexington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lexington's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.3/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lexington'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
Lexington's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lauderdale County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Bluewater Creek Nr Antioch.
Where does Lexington's water come from?
Lexington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,127 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bluewater Creek Nr Antioch (river).
What Lexington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lexington'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.
Lexington'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLauderdale 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
Lauderdale County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lexington'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. | 1.3 | 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. | 2.08 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lexington compares by contaminant
Explore where Lexington ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lexington's water comes from
Lexington purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Lexington's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,127 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Lexington
Lexington is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lexington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEXINGTON WATER WORKS AND SEWER | AL0000788 | 2,910 | GWP |
| LEXINGTON W.D. RASCALTOWN COMMUNITY | TN0008267 | 217 | GUP |
| PLURIS ALABAMA LLC | AL0001808 | — | GW |
How Lexington compares
Full Alabama rankings →Lexington's score of 77.3/100 is on par with the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Lexington, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lexington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lauderdale
Frequently asked questions
Is Lexington, AL tap water safe to drink?
Lexington's water quality earned a grade of B (77.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #284 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Lexington's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Lexington'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 Lexington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lexington's water come from?
Lexington's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,127 residents.
What health violations has Lexington's water system had?
Lexington has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lexington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lexington 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 31 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 Lexington's water compare to other cities?
Lexington ranks #284 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 20% of state cities) and #9035 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.