Is Pennington, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Pennington, AL — Water Quality Report
Pennington's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,899 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 23 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pennington's water
Pennington ranks #107 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pennington 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, Pennington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pennington, AL water safe to drink?
Pennington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,899 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pennington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pennington's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pennington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pennington's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Choctaw 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 Tombigbee River.
Where does Pennington's water come from?
Pennington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,899 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tombigbee River (river).
What Pennington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pennington'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.
Pennington'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 Pennington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pennington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,256,033 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA-PACIFIC NAHEOLA LLC PENNINGTON, AL36916 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,256,033 | 2.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtChoctaw 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
Choctaw 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pennington compares by contaminant
Explore where Pennington ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pennington's water comes from
Pennington'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 1,899 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pennington
Pennington is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pennington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PENNINGTON, UTILITIES BOARD OF | AL0000244 | 1,080 | GW |
| CHOCTAW-EDNA WATER AUTHORITY, INC. | AL0000233 | 819 | GWP |
How Pennington compares
Full Alabama rankings →Pennington's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Pennington, AL
Wikipedia →Pennington is a town in Choctaw County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2020 census, Pennington had a population of 329.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pennington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Choctaw
Frequently asked questions
Is Pennington, AL tap water safe to drink?
Pennington's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #107 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Pennington's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Pennington'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 Pennington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pennington's water come from?
Pennington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,899 residents.
What health violations has Pennington's water system had?
Pennington has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pennington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pennington 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 23 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 Pennington's water compare to other cities?
Pennington ranks #107 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 70% of state cities) and #2590 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.