Is Sycamore, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91/100
waterverge.com Sycamore, AL — Water Quality Report
Sycamore's drinking water received a grade of A (91 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,728 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sycamore's water
Sycamore ranks #82 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sycamore 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, Sycamore may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sycamore, AL water safe to drink?
Sycamore's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,728 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sycamore
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sycamore's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).
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-4573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate, Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sycamore's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sycamore's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Talladega 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 Talladega Creek, Shirtee Creek.
Where does Sycamore's water come from?
Sycamore's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,728 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Talladega Creek (river), Shirtee Creek (river).
What Sycamore 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Sycamore'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 droughtTalladega 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
Talladega 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sycamore compares by contaminant
Explore where Sycamore ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sycamore's water comes from
Sycamore'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 1,728 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sycamore
Sycamore is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sycamore
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SYCAMORE WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY | AL0001378 | 1,728 | GW |
How Sycamore compares
Full Alabama rankings →Sycamore's score of 91/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Sycamore, AL
Wikipedia →Sycamore is an unincorporated community in Talladega County, Alabama, United States, located near Alabama State Route 21, 6.1 miles (9.8 km) north-northeast of Sylacauga. Sycamore has a post office with ZIP code 35149. Sycamore was originally called Sycamore Grove, and was named for the sycamore trees which grew at the site. The post office was established in 1876.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sycamore's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Talladega
Frequently asked questions
Is Sycamore, AL tap water safe to drink?
Sycamore's water quality earned a grade of A (91/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #82 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Sycamore's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Sycamore'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 Sycamore?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sycamore's water come from?
Sycamore's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,728 residents.
What health violations has Sycamore's water system had?
Sycamore has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sycamore's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sycamore 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 11 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 Sycamore's water compare to other cities?
Sycamore ranks #82 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 77% of state cities) and #1942 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.
Does Sycamore's small water system affect quality?
Sycamore's system serves approximately 1,728 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 11 violations on record.