Is Ranburne, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.9/100
waterverge.com Ranburne, AL — Water Quality Report
Ranburne's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,010 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 15 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ranburne's water
Ranburne ranks #173 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Ranburne may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ranburne, AL water safe to drink?
Ranburne's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,010 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ranburne
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ranburne's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ranburne's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ranburne's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cleburne County has experienced 10 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 Little Tallapoosa R, Indian Creek Upstream Of Teague Rd, Nr Bowdon, Little Tallapoosa River.
Where does Ranburne's water come from?
Ranburne's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,010 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Tallapoosa R (river), Indian Creek Upstream Of Teague Rd, Nr Bowdon (river), Little Tallapoosa River (river).
What Ranburne residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ranburne'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.
Ranburne'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
D2 — severe droughtCleburne 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
Cleburne County has experienced 10 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 Ranburne compares by contaminant
Explore where Ranburne ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ranburne's water comes from
Ranburne'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 2,010 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ranburne
Ranburne is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ranburne
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RANBURNE WATER & SEWER DEPARTMENT | AL0000283 | 2,010 | SWP |
How Ranburne compares
Full Alabama rankings →Ranburne's score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Ranburne, AL
Wikipedia →Ranburne is a town in Cleburne County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 422.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ranburne's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cleburne
Frequently asked questions
Is Ranburne, AL tap water safe to drink?
Ranburne's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #173 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Ranburne's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Ranburne'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 Ranburne?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ranburne's water come from?
Ranburne's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,010 residents.
What health violations has Ranburne's water system had?
Ranburne has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ranburne's water compare to other cities?
Ranburne ranks #173 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 51% of state cities) and #4392 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ranburne's small water system affect quality?
Ranburne's system serves approximately 2,010 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 15 violations on record.