WaterVerge

Is Mexia, 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 ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AL0001050
Overall Score
73.7 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#301 of 353 in Alabama Top 64% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
73.7/100
waterverge.com
B- 73.7/100

Mexia, AL — Water Quality Report

Mexia's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 34 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Mexia's water

Mexia ranks #301 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Mexia 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, Mexia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
73.7 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
27.7/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Mexia, AL water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Mexia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,550 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
1.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Mexia

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mexia's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.7/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
22 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE.

Disaster
HURRICANE ZETA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mexia's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 6.78 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Mexia's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROther
Most recent violations:
Apr 2024 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene Resolved
Apr 2024 Xylenes, Total Resolved
Apr 2024 DICHLOROMETHANE Resolved
Apr 2024 Vinyl chloride Resolved
Apr 2024 1,1-Dichloroethylene Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Monroe 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 Limestone Creek.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3618
HURRICANE ZETA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4573
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4563

Where does Mexia's water come from?

Mexia'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 Limestone Creek (river).

What Mexia residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mexia's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Mexia'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
6.78 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

34
Total violations
0
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Apr 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

34 Total
3 Active
0 Health-based
31 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Total Coliform Rule
7
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
1
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Apr 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2024 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Showing 20 of 34 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Monroe 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
17.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Monroe 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.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #3618
Dec 2020
HURRICANE ZETA
Hurricane FEMA #4573
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #4563
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #3545
Oct 2017
HURRICANE NATE
Hurricane FEMA #3394
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3389

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Mexia's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.1 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 6.78 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.9 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.1 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 6.780 mg/L (2016)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,550
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Mexia's water comes from

Groundwater

Mexia'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.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Mexia

Mexia is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Limestone Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Mexia

System Name PWSID Population Source
MEXIA WATER SYSTEM, INC. AL0001050 2,550 GW
Regional Comparison

How Mexia compares

Full Alabama rankings →

Mexia's score of 73.7/100 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.

Mexia (this city)
73.7
Birmingham
89.2
Huntsville
69.8
Montgomery
88.7
Mobile
87.9
Tuscaloosa
87.6
Alabama avg
78
City Profile

About Mexia, AL

Wikipedia →

Mexia is an unincorporated community in Monroe County, Alabama, United States. Mexia is located on Alabama State Route 47, 4 miles (6.4 km) west-southwest of Monroeville. Mexia has a post office with ZIP code 36458. Mexia has two small historic cemeteries on Thompson Road and Rolland Road. The largest church in Mexia is Mexia Baptist Church located on Old Salem Road. In Mexia there is also New Chapel Baptist Church located on Snowden Road, and Old Salem Baptist Church located on Old Salem Creek Road.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Mexia, AL tap water safe to drink?

Mexia's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #301 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.

What contaminants are in Mexia's water?

Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.

How is Mexia'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 Mexia?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Mexia's water come from?

Mexia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,550 residents.

Is Mexia's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Mexia 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 34 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 Mexia's water compare to other cities?

Mexia ranks #301 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 15% of state cities) and #10033 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Mexia's small water system affect quality?

Mexia'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 34 violations on record.