Copper in Alabama Drinking Water
Ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR
Copper in Alabama: what the data shows
Alabama has 39 cities with copper monitoring data. The state average 90th percentile copper level is 22.209 mg/L, compared to 28.808 mg/L nationally — better than the national average. 39 cities exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L. Copper in drinking water typically comes from corrosion of copper pipes and plumbing fixtures, particularly in older homes. The EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L is the 90th percentile threshold — if more than 10% of tap samples exceed it, utilities must take corrective action including adjusting water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. Short-term copper exposure above the action level can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure at elevated levels is associated with liver and kidney damage. Flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use and using an NSF 53-certified filter can reduce copper exposure.
Cities exceeding 1.3 mg/L EPA Action Level
Copper data across Alabama
Each dot is a city, colored by overall water quality grade. Cities with copper levels above the 1.3 mg/L EPA action level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.
Top 10 cities by copper level in Alabama
Highest Copper levels (mg/L)
All Alabama cities ranked by copper level
| # | City | Level | Level | Exceeds? | Violations | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russellville | 765.000 mg/L | Yes | 1 | B+ | |
| 2 | Hodges | 7.410 mg/L | Yes | 0 | A- | |
| 3 | Mexia | 6.780 mg/L | Yes | 0 | B- | |
| 4 | Excel | 6.590 mg/L | Yes | 2 | B | |
| 5 | Florence | 5.120 mg/L | Yes | 7 | D | |
| 6 | Brewton | 4.980 mg/L | Yes | 4 | D | |
| 7 | Greensboro | 4.560 mg/L | Yes | 1 | D | |
| 8 | Clio | 4.310 mg/L | Yes | 4 | B | |
| 9 | Frisco City | 3.900 mg/L | Yes | 1 | B+ | |
| 10 | Tuskegee | 3.290 mg/L | Yes | 30 | F | |
| 11 | Town Creek | 3.100 mg/L | Yes | 1 | A- | |
| 12 | Mt. Vernon | 3.000 mg/L | Yes | 3 | B | |
| 13 | Hayden | 2.480 mg/L | Yes | 0 | A- | |
| 14 | Atmore | 2.400 mg/L | Yes | 2 | B- | |
| 15 | Millbrook | 2.350 mg/L | Yes | 0 | B- | |
| 16 | Sumiton | 2.270 mg/L | Yes | 6 | A | |
| 17 | Guin | 2.200 mg/L | Yes | 16 | C- | |
| 18 | Grove Hill | 2.200 mg/L | Yes | 1 | B | |
| 19 | Lexington | 2.080 mg/L | Yes | 1 | B | |
| 20 | Sulligent | 2.030 mg/L | Yes | 2 | A- | |
| 21 | Autaugaville | 1.980 mg/L | Yes | 0 | B+ | |
| 22 | Red Bay | 1.970 mg/L | Yes | 1 | B+ | |
| 23 | Opelika | 1.880 mg/L | Yes | 8 | B | |
| 24 | Clayton | 1.810 mg/L | Yes | 6 | B- | |
| 25 | Locust Fork | 1.770 mg/L | Yes | 0 | A | |
| 26 | Irondale | 1.590 mg/L | Yes | 0 | B+ | |
| 27 | Elmore | 1.570 mg/L | Yes | 1 | A- | |
| 28 | Woodland | 1.570 mg/L | Yes | 6 | B+ | |
| 29 | Trussville | 1.530 mg/L | Yes | 0 | A- | |
| 30 | Wattsville | 1.530 mg/L | Yes | 0 | A- | |
| 31 | Tuscumbia | 1.500 mg/L | Yes | 11 | D+ | |
| 32 | Rogersville | 1.490 mg/L | Yes | 0 | B+ | |
| 33 | Prattville | 1.480 mg/L | Yes | 7 | F | |
| 34 | Owens Cross Roads | 1.450 mg/L | Yes | 0 | A- | |
| 35 | Huxford | 1.420 mg/L | Yes | 1 | B+ | |
| 36 | Odenville | 1.410 mg/L | Yes | 0 | B+ | |
| 37 | St Elmo | 1.400 mg/L | Yes | 1 | A- | |
| 38 | Thorsby | 1.382 mg/L | Yes | 0 | A | |
| 39 | Reform | 1.360 mg/L | Yes | 3 | B+ |
Frequently asked questions about copper in Alabama
Is copper in Alabama drinking water safe?
39 cities in Alabama exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L for copper. The state average is 22.209 mg/L. Copper levels are highest in homes with copper plumbing, particularly when water sits in pipes overnight. Flushing the tap before use significantly reduces copper in drinking water.
What causes high copper levels in Alabama tap water?
Copper typically leaches from copper pipes and brass fittings within homes, not from the water source itself. Corrosive (low pH or soft) water accelerates this leaching. Water utilities with high copper readings are required to adjust water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. You can reduce exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use.