WaterVerge

Is Midland City, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AL0000438
Overall Score
72.8 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#303 of 353 in Alabama Top 65% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
72.8/100
waterverge.com
B- 72.8/100

Midland City, AL — Water Quality Report

Midland City's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,300 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 25 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Midland City's water

Midland City ranks #303 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Midland City 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, Midland City 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 →
72.8 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
22.8/45
D
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.5 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 Midland City, AL water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Midland City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (72.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,300 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
1.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Midland City

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Midland City's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.8/100).

Violation
21 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, 1,2-Dichloroethane.

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

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

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Midland City's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRRPT
Most recent violations:
Apr 2025 cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene Resolved
Apr 2025 trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene Resolved
Apr 2025 1,2-Dichloroethane Resolved
Apr 2025 1,1,1-Trichloroethane Resolved
Apr 2025 1,2-Dichloropropane Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Dale County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. 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 Choctawhatchee River.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3618
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3618
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3545

Where does Midland City's water come from?

Midland City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,300 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Choctawhatchee River (river).

What Midland City residents can do

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

Midland 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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 10% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

25
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Apr 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

25 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
23 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Apr 2022 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Aug 2020 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Apr 2025 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Apr 2025 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2025
Showing 20 of 25 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Midland City

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Midland City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 80 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
MICHELIN NA INC
Plastics and Rubber · MICHELIN NORTH AMERICA INC
MIDLAND CITY, AL36350
Zinc compounds802.2 mi
DUNBARTON CORP REDIFRAME DIV
Fabricated Metals · COCHENER GARVEY CAPITAL PARTNERS (FORMERLY CGF INDUSTRIES)
DOTHAN, AL36303
5.9 mi
TWITCHELL TECHNICAL PRODUCTS LLC
Textiles · NORWEST EQUITY PARTNERS X LP
DOTHAN, AL36303
6.9 mi
COVENANT STEEL WAREHOUSE
Fabricated Metals · QUALICO STEEL CO INC
DOTHAN, AL36303
7.2 mi
APEC
Fabricated Metals · QUALICO STEEL CO INC
DOTHAN, AL36303
6.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Midland 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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Dale 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)
16.9%
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

Dale County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2008. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #3618
Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #3618
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #3545
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #3545
Nov 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #4406
Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #3407

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.5 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.5 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 2023 (1.5 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Midland City compares by contaminant

Explore where Midland City ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,300
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Midland City's water comes from

Groundwater

Midland City'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 3,300 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Midland City

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

Choctawhatchee River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Midland City

System Name PWSID Population Source
MIDLAND CITY WATER DEPARTMENT AL0000438 3,300 GW
Regional Comparison

How Midland City compares

Full Alabama rankings →

Midland City's score of 72.8/100 is below the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Midland City (this city)
72.8
Birmingham
89.2
Huntsville
69.8
Montgomery
88.7
Mobile
87.9
Tuscaloosa
87.6
Alabama avg
78
City Profile

About Midland City, AL

Wikipedia →

Midland City is a town in Dale County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2020 census, Midland City had a population of 2,239. It incorporated in 1890. It is part of the Ozark Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$35,682
Median Income
$123,698
Median Home Value
$574/mo
Median Rent
1.8%
Unemployment
Community
32.7
Median Age
116
People / sq mi
12.5%
College Educated
34.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Midland City, AL tap water safe to drink?

Midland City's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #303 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.

What contaminants are in Midland City's water?

Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.

How is Midland 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 Midland City?

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

Where does Midland City's water come from?

Midland City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,300 residents.

Is Midland City's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Midland City 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 25 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 Midland City's water compare to other cities?

Midland City ranks #303 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 14% of state cities) and #10230 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Midland City's small water system affect quality?

Midland City's system serves approximately 3,300 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 25 violations on record.