Is Rockford, 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 ↓
90.9/100
Rockford, AL — Water Quality Report
Rockford's drinking water received a grade of A (90.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,002 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 42 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rockford's water
Rockford ranks #84 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it above average 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rockford, AL water safe to drink?
Rockford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,002 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rockford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rockford's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rockford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rockford's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Coosa 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 Hatchet Creek Below Rockford.
Where does Rockford's water come from?
Rockford's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,002 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Hatchet Creek Below Rockford (river).
What Rockford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rockford'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.
Rockford'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 Rockford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rockford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CENTRAL ALABAMA WOOD PRODUCTS LLC NIXBURG, AL36026 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCoosa 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
Coosa 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rockford compares by contaminant
Explore where Rockford ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rockford's water comes from
Rockford'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 4,002 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Rockford
Rockford is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rockford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCKFORD UTILITIES BOARD, INC | AL0000353 | 3,612 | SWP |
| LAKE MITCHELL WATER, INCORPORATED | AL0001799 | 390 | SWP |
How Rockford compares
Full Alabama rankings →Rockford's score of 90.9/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Rockford, AL
Wikipedia →Rockford is a town in Coosa County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 349. The town is the county seat of Coosa County and is part of the Talladega-Sylacauga Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rockford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Coosa
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockford, AL tap water safe to drink?
Rockford's water quality earned a grade of A (90.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #84 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Rockford's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Rockford'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 Rockford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rockford's water come from?
Rockford's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,002 residents.
How does Rockford's water compare to other cities?
Rockford ranks #84 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 76% of state cities) and #1971 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.