Is Pinckard, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Pinckard, AL — Water Quality Report
Pinckard's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,377 residents using groundwater.
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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Pinckard's water
Pinckard ranks #80 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Pinckard 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, Pinckard may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pinckard, AL water safe to drink?
Pinckard's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,377 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pinckard
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pinckard's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pinckard's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pinckard's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Pinckard's water come from?
Pinckard's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,377 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 Pinckard 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.
Pinckard'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 Pinckard
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pinckard, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 80 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MICHELIN NA INC MIDLAND CITY, AL36350 | Zinc compounds | 80 | 4.6 mi |
DUNBARTON CORP REDIFRAME DIV DOTHAN, AL36303 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
TWITCHELL TECHNICAL PRODUCTS LLC DOTHAN, AL36303 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
COVENANT STEEL WAREHOUSE DOTHAN, AL36303 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
APEC DOTHAN, AL36303 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Pinckard
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.
- AMERICAN BRASS INC7.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDale 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
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.
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 Pinckard compares by contaminant
Explore where Pinckard ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pinckard's water comes from
Pinckard'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 1,377 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pinckard
Pinckard is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pinckard
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINCKARD WATER DEPARTMENT | AL0000443 | 1,377 | GW |
How Pinckard compares
Full Alabama rankings →Pinckard's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Pinckard, AL
Wikipedia →Pinckard is a town in Dale County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 582. Pinckard incorporated in 1893 and is part of the Ozark Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pinckard's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dale
Frequently asked questions
Is Pinckard, AL tap water safe to drink?
Pinckard's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #80 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Pinckard's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Pinckard'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 Pinckard?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pinckard's water come from?
Pinckard's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,377 residents.
Is Pinckard's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pinckard 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 3 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 Pinckard's water compare to other cities?
Pinckard ranks #80 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 77% of state cities) and #1877 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pinckard's small water system affect quality?
Pinckard's system serves approximately 1,377 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 3 violations on record.