Is Rainbow City, 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 ↓
91.3/100
waterverge.com Rainbow City, AL — Water Quality Report
Rainbow City's drinking water received a grade of A (91.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 12,363 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rainbow City's water
Rainbow City ranks #74 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Rainbow City purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.05 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rainbow City, AL water safe to drink?
Rainbow City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 12,363 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rainbow City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rainbow City's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.3/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rainbow City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rainbow City's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Etowah County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Coosa River, Big Wills Creek, Coosa River Nr Southside, Ala.
Where does Rainbow City's water come from?
Rainbow City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 12,363 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Coosa River (river), Big Wills Creek (river), Coosa River Nr Southside, Ala (river).
What Rainbow City 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.
Rainbow City'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 ↓Forever chemicals overview
National PFAS report →Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Rainbow City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rainbow City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,393,355 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KOCH FOODS OF GADSDEN GADSDEN, AL35903 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,393,343 | 7.1 mi |
TENNESSEE ALUMINUM PROCESSORS INC GADSDEN, AL35903 | Zinc compounds | 7 | 8.0 mi |
STAMPED PRODUCTS INC GADSDEN, AL35903 | Manganese | 5 | 8.1 mi |
FEHRER AUTOMOTIVE N.A. LLC GADSDEN, AL35904 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
KEYSTONE FOODS LLC - ALABAMA DIV GADSDEN, AL35906 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtEtowah 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
Etowah County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 4:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 6:2 FTS 6:2 FTSPFAS A fluorotelomer sulfonate commonly found at sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting. Health EffectsPotential liver toxicity and endocrine disruption. Less studied but identified as a contaminant of concern. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), airports, military bases, and industrial facilities. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 8:2 FTS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| ADONA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| HFPO-DA HFPO-DA (GenX)PFAS A replacement for PFOA in manufacturing, marketed as safer but still a persistent "forever chemical." Also known as GenX. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, reproductive toxicity, immune system effects, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit10 ppt MCL Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing (used as PFOA replacement), industrial wastewater discharge. | ND | 0.01 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| lithium LithiumInorganic A naturally occurring alkali metal found in groundwater. Monitored under UCMR 5 to assess occurrence in drinking water. Health EffectsKidney effects at high doses. Low-level exposure effects under study; some research suggests neurological effects. EPA LimitNo MCL (monitoring only under UCMR 5) Common SourcesNatural mineral deposits, geothermal water, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NEtFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NFDHA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| NMeFOSAA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBA PFBAPFAS One of the shortest-chain PFAS compounds. Very mobile in water and difficult to remove with standard filtration. Health EffectsThyroid effects, potential developmental toxicity. Shorter half-life in body than long-chain PFAS. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and firefighting foam. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFBS PFBSPFAS A short-chain PFAS used as a replacement for PFOS. While it clears the body faster than long-chain PFAS, it still persists in the environment. Health EffectsThyroid effects, reproductive and developmental toxicity, kidney effects. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam, and as a replacement chemical in manufacturing. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFDoA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFEESA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpA PFHpAPFAS A medium-chain PFAS compound found in various environmental samples. Less studied than PFOA/PFOS but still considered a contaminant of concern. Health EffectsLiver effects, potential developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesDegradation of longer-chain PFAS, industrial discharge, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHpS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxA PFHxAPFAS A short-chain PFAS replacement chemical widely used after manufacturers phased out longer-chain PFAS. Very commonly detected in water. Health EffectsLiver and kidney effects, potential thyroid disruption. Considered less toxic than long-chain PFAS but still persistent. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial processes, firefighting foam (AFFF), food packaging, and textile treatment. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFHxS PFHxSPFAS A medium-chain PFAS found in firefighting foam and consumer products. It has a long half-life in the human body, similar to long-chain PFAS. Health EffectsImmune system effects, thyroid disruption, and potential reproductive and developmental harm. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), waterproof textiles, food packaging, and industrial discharge. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMBA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFMPA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFNA PFNAPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound used in manufacturing fluoropolymers. It bioaccumulates in the body and is very persistent in the environment. Health EffectsDevelopmental effects, liver toxicity, immune suppression, and potential cancer risk. EPA LimitPart of Hazard Index (1.0) Common SourcesFluoropolymer manufacturing, industrial emissions, and contaminated water sources. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOA PFOAPFAS A long-chain PFAS ("forever chemical") once widely used in nonstick coatings and firefighting foam. It persists in the body and environment for years. Health EffectsLinked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, and reproductive issues. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam (AFFF), nonstick cookware manufacturing, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFOS PFOSPFAS A long-chain PFAS compound historically used in stain-resistant coatings and firefighting foam. One of the most studied and persistent PFAS chemicals. Health EffectsLiver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disruption, increased cholesterol, and potential cancer risk. EPA Limit4.0 ppt MCL Common SourcesFirefighting foam (AFFF), industrial sites, stain-resistant fabric treatments, and contaminated groundwater. | ND | 0.004 | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeA PFPeAPFAS A short-chain PFAS compound commonly detected in drinking water. One of the most frequently found PFAS in UCMR 5 monitoring. Health EffectsLess studied than PFOA/PFOS. Potential liver and thyroid effects. Research is ongoing. EPA LimitNo individual MCL (not yet regulated) Common SourcesIndustrial discharge, firefighting foam degradation, and consumer products. | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFPeS | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFTrDA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
| PFUnA | ND | HI | µg/L | PFAS | Not Detected |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rainbow City compares by contaminant
Explore where Rainbow City ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rainbow City's water comes from
Rainbow City purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Rainbow City's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 12,363 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rainbow City
Rainbow City is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rainbow City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAINBOW CITY, WWB OF THE TOWN OF | AL0000588 | 12,363 | GWP |
How Rainbow City compares
Full Alabama rankings →Rainbow City's score of 91.3/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Rainbow City, AL
Wikipedia →Rainbow City is a city in Etowah County, Alabama, United States. It incorporated in 1950. As of the 2020 census, Rainbow City had a population of 10,191. It is part of the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rainbow City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Etowah
Frequently asked questions
Is Rainbow City, AL tap water safe to drink?
Rainbow City's water quality earned a grade of A (91.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #74 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Rainbow City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 5 violations are on record.
How is Rainbow City'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 Rainbow City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rainbow City's water come from?
Rainbow City's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 12,363 residents.
What health violations has Rainbow City's water system had?
Rainbow City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rainbow City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rainbow City 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 5 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 Rainbow City's water compare to other cities?
Rainbow City ranks #74 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 79% of state cities) and #1748 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.