Is Wadley, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Wadley, AL — Water Quality Report
Wadley's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,149 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 16 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wadley's water
Wadley ranks #223 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it below 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.
As a small community water system, Wadley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wadley, AL water safe to drink?
Wadley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,149 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wadley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wadley's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4573). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wadley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wadley's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Randolph County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Tallapoosa River.
Where does Wadley's water come from?
Wadley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,149 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tallapoosa River (river).
What Wadley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wadley'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.
Wadley'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 droughtRandolph 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
Randolph County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Wadley compares by contaminant
Explore where Wadley ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wadley's water comes from
Wadley'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 1,149 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wadley
Wadley 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 Wadley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WADLEY UTILITIES BOARD | AL0001130 | 1,149 | SWP |
How Wadley compares
Full Alabama rankings →Wadley's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Wadley, AL
Wikipedia →Wadley is a town in Randolph County, Alabama, United States. It is home to the Wadley campus of Southern Union State Community College. As of the 2020 census, Wadley had a population of 659. According to the 1910 U.S. Census, the town was incorporated in 1908.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wadley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Randolph
Frequently asked questions
Is Wadley, AL tap water safe to drink?
Wadley's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #223 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Wadley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Wadley'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 Wadley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wadley's water come from?
Wadley's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,149 residents.
What health violations has Wadley's water system had?
Wadley has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wadley's water compare to other cities?
Wadley ranks #223 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 37% of state cities) and #6411 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wadley's small water system affect quality?
Wadley's system serves approximately 1,149 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 16 violations on record.