Is Valley Head, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Valley Head ranks. What to do next ↓
96.7/100
waterverge.com Valley Head, AL — Water Quality Report
Valley Head's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,075 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Valley Head's water
Valley Head ranks #14 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Valley Head 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, Valley Head may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Valley Head, AL water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Valley Head's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,075 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Valley Head
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Valley Head's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.7/100).
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Radium-228.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Valley Head's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Valley Head's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
DeKalb 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 Valley Head's water come from?
Valley Head's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,075 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Valley Head 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.
Valley Head'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 Valley Head
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Valley Head, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 11 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VALLEY JOIST FORT PAYNE, AL35967 | Nickel | 7 | 7.1 mi |
NUCOR CORP VULCRAFT DIV FORT PAYNE, AL35967 | Nickel | 4 | 3.0 mi |
THE HEIL CO FORT PAYNE, AL35967 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtDeKalb County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
DeKalb 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Valley Head compares by contaminant
Explore where Valley Head ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Valley Head's water comes from
Valley Head'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 3,075 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Valley Head
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VALLEY HEAD WATER WORKS BOARD | AL0000523 | 3,075 | GW |
How Valley Head compares
Full Alabama rankings →Valley Head's score of 96.7/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Valley Head, AL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Valley Head's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dekalb
Frequently asked questions
Is Valley Head, AL tap water safe to drink?
Valley Head's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #14 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Valley Head's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Valley Head'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 Valley Head?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Valley Head's water come from?
Valley Head's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,075 residents.
What health violations has Valley Head's water system had?
Valley Head has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Valley Head's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Valley Head 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 3 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 Valley Head's water compare to other cities?
Valley Head ranks #14 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 96% of state cities) and #159 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Valley Head's small water system affect quality?
Valley Head's system serves approximately 3,075 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 3 violations on record.