Is Raleigh, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Raleigh, AL — Water Quality Report
Raleigh's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,495 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 124 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Raleigh's water
Raleigh ranks #344 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Raleigh 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, Raleigh may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Raleigh, AL water safe to drink?
Raleigh's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,495 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Raleigh
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Raleigh's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Raleigh's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Raleigh's water system has 124 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Cahaba River, Little Cahaba River, Shades Creek, Shades Creek Nr Homewood, Ala, Fivemile Creek.
Where does Raleigh's water come from?
Raleigh's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 1,495 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cahaba River (river), Little Cahaba River (river), Shades Creek (river), Shades Creek Nr Homewood, Ala (river), Fivemile Creek (river).
What Raleigh residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Raleigh'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.
Raleigh'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
Flood & disaster history
Jefferson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Raleigh compares by contaminant
Explore where Raleigh ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Raleigh's water comes from
Raleigh'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,495 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Raleigh
Raleigh is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Raleigh
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLDE MILL TRACE S/D | NC4092168 | 394 | GW |
| KANATA MILLS S/D | NC4092145 | 233 | GW |
| MORNINGTON S/D | NC4092153 | 218 | GW |
| JACKSON MANOR S/D | NC4092146 | 175 | GW |
| YATES MILL ESTATES | NC4092131 | 140 | GW |
| BELLA VISTA S/D | NC4092128 | 120 | GW |
| LEONE LANDING | NC4092127 | 69 | GW |
| BAILEY`S AT GLENMOOR S/D | NC4092160 | 59 | GW |
| ARLINGTON S/D | NC4092184 | 46 | GW |
| RESERVE AT FALLS LAKE (PHASE 4) | NC4092213 | 41 | GW |
How Raleigh compares
Full Alabama rankings →Raleigh's score of 50/100 is below the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Raleigh, AL
Wikipedia →Birmingham is a city in the north central region of Alabama, United States. It is the third-most populous city in the state, with an estimated population of 196,357 as of 2024. The Birmingham metropolitan area, with over 1.19 million residents, is the largest metropolitan area in Alabama and 47th-most populous in the US. Birmingham serves as a major regional economic, medical, and educational hub of the Deep South, Piedmont, and Appalachian regions. It is the county seat of Jefferson County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Raleigh's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wake
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh, AL tap water safe to drink?
Raleigh's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #344 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Raleigh's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 124 violations are on record.
How is Raleigh'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 Raleigh?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Raleigh's water come from?
Raleigh's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 1,495 residents.
What health violations has Raleigh's water system had?
Raleigh has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Raleigh's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Raleigh 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 124 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 Raleigh's water compare to other cities?
Raleigh ranks #344 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 3% of state cities) and #13140 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.