Is Quinton, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Quinton, AL — Water Quality Report
Quinton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,282 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Quinton's water
Quinton ranks #206 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it below average 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, Quinton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Quinton, AL water safe to drink?
Quinton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,282 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Quinton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Quinton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Quinton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Quinton's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Walker County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Sipsey Fork, Mulberry Fork, Locust Fork, Five Mile Creek Nr Sayre, Ala, Village Creek.
Where does Quinton's water come from?
Quinton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,282 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sipsey Fork (river), Mulberry Fork (river), Locust Fork (river), Five Mile Creek Nr Sayre, Ala (river), Village Creek (river).
What Quinton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Quinton'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.
Quinton'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
D1 — moderate droughtJefferson County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Walker County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Quinton compares by contaminant
Explore where Quinton ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Quinton's water comes from
Quinton'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 3,282 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Quinton
Quinton is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Quinton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST JEFFERSON WATER SYSTEM | AL0000765 | 3,282 | SWP |
How Quinton compares
Full Alabama rankings →Quinton's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Quinton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Quinton, AL tap water safe to drink?
Quinton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #206 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Quinton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Quinton'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 Quinton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Quinton's water come from?
Quinton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,282 residents.
How does Quinton's water compare to other cities?
Quinton ranks #206 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 42% of state cities) and #5669 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Quinton's small water system affect quality?
Quinton's system serves approximately 3,282 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.