Is Townley, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
91.5/100
waterverge.com Townley, AL — Water Quality Report
Townley's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,445 residents using purchased surface water.
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 4 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Townley's water
Townley ranks #70 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.05 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Townley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Townley, AL water safe to drink?
Townley's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,445 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Townley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Townley's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Townley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Townley's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Walker County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Lost Creek.
Where does Townley's water come from?
Townley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,445 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lost Creek (river).
What Townley 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.
Townley'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
D1 — moderate droughtWalker 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.
Flood & disaster history
Walker County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Townley compares by contaminant
Explore where Townley ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Townley's water comes from
Townley'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 2,445 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Townley
Townley 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 Townley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWNLEY WATER AUTHORITY | AL0001353 | 2,445 | SWP |
How Townley compares
Full Alabama rankings →Townley's score of 91.5/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Townley, AL
Wikipedia →Townley is an unincorporated community in Walker County, Alabama, United States. It was formerly an incorporated town from 1895 until the 1920s. Townley has one site on the National Register of Historic Places, Boshell's Mill.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Townley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Walker
Frequently asked questions
Is Townley, AL tap water safe to drink?
Townley's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #70 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Townley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Townley'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 Townley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Townley's water come from?
Townley's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,445 residents.
What health violations has Townley's water system had?
Townley has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Townley's water compare to other cities?
Townley ranks #70 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 80% of state cities) and #1651 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Townley's small water system affect quality?
Townley's system serves approximately 2,445 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 4 violations on record.