Rainbow City, AL · PWSID AL0000588
Utilities Board of Rainbow City lead service lines
397 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Utilities Board of Rainbow City reported 0 lead and 397 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 4,324 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 11 lines. Another 1 (<0.1%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #25 of 179 Alabama systems with confirmed lead lines, and #776 nationally.
9.2% of Utilities Board of Rainbow City'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 0%
- Galvanized (replace) 9.2%
- Unknown <0.1%
- Non-lead 91%
Total service lines reported: 4,324. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 12,633; 4,211 connections.
Lead test results
Utilities Board of Rainbow City's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2024–Dec 2026) was not detected, 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 293 in 2025 Q1 to 397 in 2026 Q3: up 104 (35%). Lines of unknown material went from 0 to 1, up 1.
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 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Utilities Board of Rainbow City. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2024 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Utilities Board of Rainbow City's main water source is purchased groundwater. It buys treated water from Utillities Board of the Town of Odenville. The seller treats the water, including corrosion control that keeps lead from dissolving out of pipes, while Utilities Board of Rainbow City is responsible for its own service line inventory and replacement program. It sells water to 2 other water systems: Whorton Bend Water Authority, Steele Water Works Board.
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 Utilities Board of Rainbow City 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 Etowah County
Cities served
Other water systems nearby
Check another water system
Questions
Does Utilities Board of Rainbow City have lead pipes?
Yes. Utilities Board of Rainbow City reported 0 lead service lines and 397 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 4,324 total. 1 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Utilities Board of Rainbow City'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 Utilities Board of Rainbow City 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 Utilities Board of Rainbow City had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for Utilities Board of Rainbow City.
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, "Utilities Board of Rainbow City lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/al/rainbow-city-the-utilities-board-of/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.