Is Union Grove, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Union Grove, AL — Water Quality Report
Union Grove's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,045 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 28 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Union Grove's water
Union Grove ranks #119 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, Union Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Union Grove, AL water safe to drink?
Union Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,045 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Union Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Union Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Union Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Union Grove's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Union Grove's water come from?
Union Grove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,045 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Union Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Union Grove'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.
Union Grove'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 Union Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Union Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HYCO ALABAMA LLC ARAB, AL35016 | Chromium compounds (except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 1 | 6.2 mi |
HFI LLC ARAB, AL35016 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
HIGHLINE WARREN LLC - WARREN SOUTHEAST GUNTERSVILLE, AL35976 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMarshall 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
Marshall County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Union Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Union Grove ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Union Grove's water comes from
Union Grove'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 3,045 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Union Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNION GROVE UTILITY BOARD | AL0000951 | 3,045 | SWP |
How Union Grove compares
Full Alabama rankings →Union Grove's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Union Grove, AL
Wikipedia →Union Grove is a town in Marshall County, Alabama, United States, and is included in the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the town was 67, down from 77 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Union Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marshall
Frequently asked questions
Is Union Grove, AL tap water safe to drink?
Union Grove's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #119 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Union Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Union Grove'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 Union Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Union Grove's water come from?
Union Grove's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,045 residents.
What health violations has Union Grove's water system had?
Union Grove has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Union Grove's water compare to other cities?
Union Grove ranks #119 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 66% of state cities) and #2900 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Union Grove's small water system affect quality?
Union Grove's system serves approximately 3,045 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 28 violations on record.