Is Mckenzie, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81/100
waterverge.com Mckenzie, AL — Water Quality Report
Mckenzie's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,170 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mckenzie's water
Mckenzie ranks #248 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Mckenzie 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, Mckenzie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mckenzie, AL water safe to drink?
Mckenzie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,170 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mckenzie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mckenzie's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Mckenzie's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mckenzie's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Butler County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Sepulga River.
Where does Mckenzie's water come from?
Mckenzie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,170 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sepulga River (river).
What Mckenzie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mckenzie'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Mckenzie'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 Mckenzie
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mckenzie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BOISE CASCADE WOOD PRODUCTS CHAPMAN, AL36015 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtButler County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Butler County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mckenzie compares by contaminant
Explore where Mckenzie ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mckenzie's water comes from
Mckenzie'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 1,170 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mckenzie
Mckenzie is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mckenzie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCKENZIE WATER BOARD | AL0000128 | 1,170 | GW |
How Mckenzie compares
Full Alabama rankings →Mckenzie's score of 81/100 is on par with the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Mckenzie, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mckenzie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Butler
Frequently asked questions
Is Mckenzie, AL tap water safe to drink?
Mckenzie's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #248 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Mckenzie's water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Mckenzie'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 Mckenzie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mckenzie's water come from?
Mckenzie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,170 residents.
Is Mckenzie's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mckenzie 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 Mckenzie's water compare to other cities?
Mckenzie ranks #248 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 30% of state cities) and #7640 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mckenzie's small water system affect quality?
Mckenzie's system serves approximately 1,170 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.