Is Sulligent, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Sulligent, AL — Water Quality Report
Sulligent's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,643 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 18 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Sulligent's water
Sulligent ranks #142 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sulligent 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, Sulligent may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sulligent, AL water safe to drink?
Sulligent's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,643 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sulligent
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sulligent's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: Barium, Mercury, Nitrite.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sulligent's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Sulligent's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Sulligent's water come from?
Sulligent's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,643 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sulligent 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLamar County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sulligent's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.03 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.030 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sulligent compares by contaminant
Explore where Sulligent ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sulligent's water comes from
Sulligent'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 2,643 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sulligent
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULLIGENT, CITY OF | AL0000772 | 2,643 | GW |
How Sulligent compares
Full Alabama rankings →Sulligent's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Sulligent, AL
Wikipedia →Sulligent is a town in Lamar County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population of the town was 1,927, down from its record high of 2,151 in 2000. From 1910 to 1950 and again in 2000, it was the largest community in Lamar County before losing the distinction both times to the county seat of Vernon.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sulligent's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lamar
Frequently asked questions
Is Sulligent, AL tap water safe to drink?
Sulligent's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #142 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Sulligent's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Sulligent'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 Sulligent?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sulligent's water come from?
Sulligent's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,643 residents.
What health violations has Sulligent's water system had?
Sulligent has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Sulligent's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sulligent 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 18 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 Sulligent's water compare to other cities?
Sulligent ranks #142 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 60% of state cities) and #3465 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sulligent's small water system affect quality?
Sulligent's system serves approximately 2,643 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 18 violations on record.