Is Red Level, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Red Level ranks. What to do next ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com Red Level, AL — Water Quality Report
Red Level's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 846 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 23 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Red Level's water
Red Level ranks #156 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Red Level 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, Red Level may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Level, AL water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Red Level's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (87.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 846 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Red Level
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Level's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Carbon tetrachloride.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4563). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Red Level's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Red Level's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Covington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Conecuh River Bel Pt A Dam Nr River Falls, Al., Conecuh River.
Where does Red Level's water come from?
Red Level's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 846 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Conecuh River Bel Pt A Dam Nr River Falls, Al. (river), Conecuh River (river).
What Red Level 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.
Red Level'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 Red Level
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Red Level, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARCLIN USA LLC ANDALUSIA, AL36421 | Methanol | 10 | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCovington County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Covington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Red Level compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Level ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Level's water comes from
Red Level'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 846 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Red Level
Red Level is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Red Level
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED LEVEL WATER WORKS | AL0000378 | 846 | GW |
How Red Level compares
Full Alabama rankings →Red Level's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Red Level, AL
Wikipedia →Red Level is a town in Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 432.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Red Level's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Covington
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Level, AL tap water safe to drink?
Red Level's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #156 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Red Level's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Red Level'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 Red Level?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Level's water come from?
Red Level's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 846 residents.
What health violations has Red Level's water system had?
Red Level has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Red Level's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Red Level 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 23 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 Red Level's water compare to other cities?
Red Level ranks #156 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 56% of state cities) and #3842 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Red Level's small water system affect quality?
Red Level's system serves approximately 846 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 23 violations on record.