Is Newsite, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Newsite ranks. What to do next ↓
95.9/100
Newsite, AL — Water Quality Report
Newsite's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,310 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 1 violation on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Newsite's water
Newsite ranks #19 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Newsite may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newsite, AL water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Newsite's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,310 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Newsite
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newsite's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Newsite's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newsite's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Tallapoosa County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Tallapoosa River Nr New Site, Al.(Horseshoe Bend), Hillabee Creek.
Where does Newsite's water come from?
Newsite's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,310 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tallapoosa River Nr New Site, Al.(Horseshoe Bend) (river), Hillabee Creek (river).
What Newsite residents can do
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.
Newsite'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
D3 — extreme droughtTallapoosa 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
Tallapoosa County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Newsite compares by contaminant
Explore where Newsite ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newsite's water comes from
Newsite'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 2,310 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Newsite
Newsite is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Newsite
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW SITE WATER SYSTEM | AL0001283 | 2,310 | SWP |
How Newsite compares
Full Alabama rankings →Newsite's score of 95.9/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Newsite, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newsite's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tallapoosa
Frequently asked questions
Is Newsite, AL tap water safe to drink?
Newsite's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Newsite's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Newsite'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 Newsite?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newsite's water come from?
Newsite's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,310 residents.
What health violations has Newsite's water system had?
Newsite has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
How does Newsite's water compare to other cities?
Newsite ranks #19 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 95% of state cities) and #254 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Newsite's small water system affect quality?
Newsite's system serves approximately 2,310 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 1 violation on record.