Is Town Creek, 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 ↓
89.2/100
waterverge.com Town Creek, AL — Water Quality Report
Town Creek's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,527 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Town Creek's water
Town Creek ranks #123 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Town Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Town Creek, AL water safe to drink?
Town Creek's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,527 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Town Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Town Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Town Creek'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
Town Creek's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Nance Creek.
Where does Town Creek's water come from?
Town Creek's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,527 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Nance Creek (river).
What Town Creek 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.
Town Creek'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 droughtLawrence 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
Lawrence County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Town Creek'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. | 1.3 | 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. | 3.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.100 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Town Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Town Creek ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Town Creek's water comes from
Town Creek'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 1,527 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Town Creek
Town Creek 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 Town Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN CREEK WATER SYSTEM | AL0000800 | 1,527 | SWP |
How Town Creek compares
Full Alabama rankings →Town Creek's score of 89.2/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Town Creek, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Town Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Town Creek, AL tap water safe to drink?
Town Creek's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #123 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Town Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Town Creek'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 Town Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Town Creek's water come from?
Town Creek's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,527 residents.
What health violations has Town Creek's water system had?
Town Creek has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Town Creek's water compare to other cities?
Town Creek ranks #123 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 65% of state cities) and #2980 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Town Creek's small water system affect quality?
Town Creek's system serves approximately 1,527 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 5 violations on record.