Is Walnut Grove, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.9/100
waterverge.com Walnut Grove, AL — Water Quality Report
Walnut Grove's drinking water received a grade of A (91.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,227 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 59 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Walnut Grove's water
Walnut Grove ranks #64 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Walnut Grove 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, Walnut Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Walnut Grove, AL water safe to drink?
Walnut Grove's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,227 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Walnut Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Walnut Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.9/100).
Contaminants: 2,4-D.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: LASSO, Heptachlor epoxide, Aldicarb sulfoxide.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Walnut Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Walnut Grove's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Etowah 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 Walnut Grove's water come from?
Walnut Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,227 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Walnut Grove 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.
Walnut 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 Walnut Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Walnut Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON FARMS INC IVALEE FEED MILL ATTALLA, AL35954 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtEtowah 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
Etowah 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 Walnut Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Walnut Grove ranks among all Alabama cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Walnut Grove's water comes from
Walnut Grove'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 1,227 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Walnut Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WALNUT GROVE, TOWN OF | AL0000592 | 1,227 | GW |
How Walnut Grove compares
Full Alabama rankings →Walnut Grove's score of 91.9/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alabama rankings →About Walnut Grove, AL
Wikipedia →Walnut Grove is a town in Etowah County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Walnut Grove had a population of 773.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Walnut Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Etowah
Frequently asked questions
Is Walnut Grove, AL tap water safe to drink?
Walnut Grove's water quality earned a grade of A (91.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #64 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.
What contaminants are in Walnut Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Walnut 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 Walnut Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Walnut Grove's water come from?
Walnut Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,227 residents.
What health violations has Walnut Grove's water system had?
Walnut Grove has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Walnut Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Walnut Grove 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 59 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 Walnut Grove's water compare to other cities?
Walnut Grove ranks #64 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 82% of state cities) and #1455 out of 15744 cities nationally (91th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Walnut Grove's small water system affect quality?
Walnut Grove's system serves approximately 1,227 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 59 violations on record.