Is Wake Forest, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.8/100
waterverge.com Wake Forest, AL — Water Quality Report
Wake Forest's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 512 residents using groundwater.
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 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wake Forest's water
Wake Forest ranks #207 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Wake Forest 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, Wake Forest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wake Forest, AL water safe to drink?
Wake Forest's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 512 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wake Forest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wake Forest's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wake Forest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wake Forest's water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Cahaba River, Little Cahaba River, Shades Creek, Shades Creek Nr Homewood, Ala, Fivemile Creek.
Where does Wake Forest's water come from?
Wake Forest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 512 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cahaba River (river), Little Cahaba River (river), Shades Creek (river), Shades Creek Nr Homewood, Ala (river), Fivemile Creek (river).
What Wake Forest residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wake Forest'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.
Wake Forest'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
Flood & disaster history
Jefferson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1995. 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 Wake Forest compares by contaminant
Explore where Wake Forest ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wake Forest's water comes from
Wake Forest'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 private ownership and serves approximately 512 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Wake Forest
Wake Forest is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wake Forest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMBERLY S/D | NC4092151 | 203 | GW |
| KINGSTON MANOR S/D | NC4092133 | 88 | GW |
| VERNON PLACE S/D | NC4092162 | 64 | GW |
| AVALYN S/D | NC4092165 | 58 | GW |
| YARDLEY S/D | NC4092171 | 56 | GW |
| ETHAN MEADOWS S/D | NC4092144 | 43 | GW |
How Wake Forest compares
Full Alabama rankings →Wake Forest's score of 84.8/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Wake Forest, AL
Wikipedia →Birmingham is a city in the north central region of Alabama, United States. It is the third-most populous city in the state, with an estimated population of 196,357 as of 2024. The Birmingham metropolitan area, with over 1.19 million residents, is the largest metropolitan area in Alabama and 47th-most populous in the US. Birmingham serves as a major regional economic, medical, and educational hub of the Deep South, Piedmont, and Appalachian regions. It is the county seat of Jefferson County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wake Forest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wake
Frequently asked questions
Is Wake Forest, AL tap water safe to drink?
Wake Forest's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #207 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Wake Forest's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Wake Forest'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 Wake Forest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wake Forest's water come from?
Wake Forest's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 512 residents.
Is Wake Forest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wake Forest 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 4 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 Wake Forest's water compare to other cities?
Wake Forest ranks #207 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 41% of state cities) and #5703 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.