WaterVerge

Is Wilton, 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 ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AL0001172
Overall Score
93.6 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#41 of 353 in Alabama Top 5% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
93.6/100
waterverge.com
A 93.6/100

Wilton, AL — Water Quality Report

Wilton's drinking water received a grade of A (93.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,063 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 23 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Wilton's water

Wilton ranks #41 out of 353 cities in Alabama for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Wilton 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, Wilton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
93.6 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.6/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Wilton, AL water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Wilton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,063 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
2.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Wilton

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilton's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.6/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SALLY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3545). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
21 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Styrene, DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wilton's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Wilton's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

MR
Most recent violations:
Jan 2012 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 1993 Styrene Resolved
Jan 1993 DICHLOROMETHANE Resolved
Jan 1993 o-Dichlorobenzene Resolved
Jan 1993 p-Dichlorobenzene Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Shelby County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Little Cahaba River.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3618
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3545
HURRICANE NATE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3394

Where does Wilton's water come from?

Wilton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,063 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Cahaba River (river).

What Wilton residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Wilton'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 19% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

23
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jan 2012
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

23 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
21 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jan 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 1993 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Vinyl chloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Jan 1993 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1993
Showing 20 of 23 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Wilton

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wilton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 54 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
LHOIST NA OF ALABAMA LLC-O'NEAL PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · LHOIST NORTH AMERICA INC
CALERA, AL35040
Lead compounds459.6 mi
STELLA-JONES CORP
Wood Products · STELLA-JONES US HOLDING CORP
BRIERFIELD, AL35035
Pentachlorophenol46.1 mi
MCWANE PLANT & INDUSTRIAL LLC
Fabricated Metals · MCWANE INC
CALERA, AL35040
Manganese38.1 mi
LHOIST NA OF ALABAMA LLC-MONTEVALLO PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · LHOIST NORTH AMERICA INC
CALERA, AL35040
Nickel compounds24.3 mi
GLIDEWELL SPECIALTIES FOUNDRY CO INC.
Primary Metals · NA
CALERA, AL35040
Lead08.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Shelby 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.

4
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
4
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Shelby County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #3618
Sep 2020
HURRICANE SALLY
Hurricane FEMA #3545
Oct 2017
HURRICANE NATE
Hurricane FEMA #3394
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3389
Aug 2008
HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA #3292
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3237

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.2 ppb from 1993 (3.0 ppb) to 2023 (2.8 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,063
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Wilton's water comes from

Groundwater

Wilton'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 3,063 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Wilton

Wilton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Little Cahaba River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wilton

System Name PWSID Population Source
WILTON WATER WORKS AL0001172 3,063 GW
Regional Comparison

How Wilton compares

Full Alabama rankings →

Wilton's score of 93.6/100 is above the average of 78/100 among major Alabama cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Wilton (this city)
93.6
Birmingham
89.2
Huntsville
69.8
Montgomery
88.7
Mobile
87.9
Tuscaloosa
87.6
Alabama avg
78
City Profile

About Wilton, AL

Economic Profile
$55,000
Median Income
$136,132
Median Home Value
$438/mo
Median Rent
6.7%
Unemployment
Community
32.9
Median Age
276
People / sq mi
10.9%
College Educated
77.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wilton, AL tap water safe to drink?

Wilton's water quality earned a grade of A (93.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #41 out of 353 cities tested in Alabama.

What contaminants are in Wilton's water?

Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.

How is Wilton'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 Wilton?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Wilton's water come from?

Wilton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,063 residents.

Is Wilton's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Wilton 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 23 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 Wilton's water compare to other cities?

Wilton ranks #41 out of 353 cities in Alabama (better than 88% of state cities) and #776 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Wilton's small water system affect quality?

Wilton's system serves approximately 3,063 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 23 violations on record.