Birmingham, AL · PWSID AL0000738
Central Alabama Water lead service lines
12,368 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Central Alabama Water reported 12,350 lead and 18 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 232,850 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 19 lines. Another 36,839 (16%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #2 of 179 Alabama systems with confirmed lead lines, and #35 nationally.
5.3% of Central Alabama Water's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Alabama average (3.0%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 5.3%
- Galvanized (replace) <0.1%
- Unknown 16%
- Non-lead 79%
Total service lines reported: 232,850. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 653,322; 217,774 connections.
Lead test results
Central Alabama Water's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2024–Dec 2026) was 1.2 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 270 in 2025 Q1 to 12,368 in 2026 Q3: up 12,098 (4481%). Lines of unknown material went from 71,467 to 36,839, down 34,628 (48%).
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 2 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 1 still open for Central Alabama Water. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2023 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Open |
| Oct 2016 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Central Alabama Water's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 12 other water systems: Pine Bluff Water Authority, Bessemer Water Service, Brookside Water Works, Graysville Water Board, Mulga Water Department, Utilities Board of the City of Trussville, Warrior River Water Authority, Town of West Jefferson Water System, Utilities Board of the City of Helena, Shelby County Commission-Water Services, Remlap Pine MTN Water Authority, Blount County Water Authority.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Central Alabama Water whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Jefferson County
Cities served
- Lead pipes in Birmingham
- Lead pipes in Hoover
- Lead pipes in Vestavia Hills
- Lead pipes in Homewood
- Lead pipes in Mountain Brook
- Lead pipes in Gardendale
- Lead pipes in Center Point
- Lead pipes in Moody
- Lead pipes in Clay
- Lead pipes in Fairfield
- Lead pipes in Pleasant Grove
- Lead pipes in Fultondale
- Lead pipes in Pinson
- Lead pipes in Tarrant
- Lead pipes in Kimberly
- Lead pipes in Warrior
- Lead pipes in Morris
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Central Alabama Water's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
3500435061350623506435068350713509135116351193512635127351803520335204352053520635207352083520935210352113521235213352143521535216352173521835221352223522335226352283522935233352343524235243352443524935254
Other water systems nearby
Check another water system
Questions
Does Central Alabama Water have lead pipes?
Yes. Central Alabama Water reported 12,350 lead service lines and 18 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 232,850 total. 36,839 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Central Alabama Water's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Central Alabama Water replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Central Alabama Water had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 2 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 1 still open for Central Alabama Water.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Central Alabama Water lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/al/central-alabama-water/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.