Is Ragland, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.6/100
waterverge.com Ragland, AL — Water Quality Report
Ragland's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,243 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ragland's water
Ragland ranks #181 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Ragland 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, Ragland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ragland, AL water safe to drink?
Ragland's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,243 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ragland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ragland's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ragland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ragland's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
St. Clair County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Big Canoe Creek.
Where does Ragland's water come from?
Ragland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,243 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Canoe Creek (river).
What Ragland 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.
Ragland'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 Ragland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ragland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 28 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NATIONAL CEMENT CO. OF ALABAMA INC. RAGLAND, AL35131 | Manganese | 24 | 4.3 mi |
HONDA DEVELOPMENT & MANUFACTURING OF AMERICA LLC - ALABAMA LINCOLN, AL35096 | Zinc compounds | 4 | 9.2 mi |
KRONOSPAN LLC - OHATCHEE LOG YARD OHATCHEE, AL36271 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSaint Clair County is currently in D2 (severe 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
St. Clair County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ragland compares by contaminant
Explore where Ragland ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ragland's water comes from
Ragland'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 3,243 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ragland
Ragland is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ragland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAGLAND, THE WWB OF THE TOWN OF | AL0001208 | 3,243 | GW |
How Ragland compares
Full Alabama rankings →Ragland's score of 86.6/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Ragland, AL
Wikipedia →Ragland is a town in St. Clair County, Alabama, United States southeast of Ashville. It incorporated in 1899. At the 2020 census, the population was 1,693, up slightly from 1,639 in 2010. It is part of the Birmingham-Hoover-Cullman Combined Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ragland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Clair
Frequently asked questions
Is Ragland, AL tap water safe to drink?
Ragland's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #181 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Ragland's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Ragland'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 Ragland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ragland's water come from?
Ragland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,243 residents.
Is Ragland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ragland 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 2 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 Ragland's water compare to other cities?
Ragland ranks #181 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 49% of state cities) and #4592 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ragland's small water system affect quality?
Ragland's system serves approximately 3,243 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 2 violations on record.