Is Steele, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.9/100
waterverge.com Steele, AL — Water Quality Report
Steele's drinking water received a grade of B (77.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,682 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 21 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Steele's water
Steele ranks #277 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Steele may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Steele, AL water safe to drink?
Steele's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,682 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Steele
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Steele's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Steele's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Steele's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
St. Clair County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Big Canoe Creek.
Where does Steele's water come from?
Steele's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,682 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Canoe Creek (river).
What Steele residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Steele'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.
Steele'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 Steele
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Steele, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VALMONT - BIRMINGHAM GALVANIZING INC. STEELE, AL35987 | Zinc compounds | 10 | 7.1 mi |
FEHRER AUTOMOTIVE N.A. LLC GADSDEN, AL35904 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
KEYSTONE FOODS LLC - ALABAMA DIV GADSDEN, AL35906 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
HEIDELBERG MATERIALS SOUTHEAST AGG LLC - RAINBOW CITY PLANT RAINBOW CITY, AL35906 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
TYSON FARMS INC IVALEE FEED MILL ATTALLA, AL35954 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSaint Clair 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
St. Clair County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Steele compares by contaminant
Explore where Steele ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Steele's water comes from
Steele'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 2,682 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Steele
Steele 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 Steele
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEELE WATER WORKS BOARD | AL0001213 | 1,722 | SWP |
| CHANDLER MTN/GREASY COVE WATER AUTHORITY | AL0001775 | 960 | SWP |
How Steele compares
Full Alabama rankings →Steele's score of 77.9/100 is on par with the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Steele, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Steele's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Clair
Frequently asked questions
Is Steele, AL tap water safe to drink?
Steele's water quality earned a grade of B (77.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #277 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Steele's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Steele'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 Steele?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Steele's water come from?
Steele's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,682 residents.
What health violations has Steele's water system had?
Steele has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Steele's water compare to other cities?
Steele ranks #277 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 22% of state cities) and #8852 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.