ZIP Code 35043 Water Quality Report

Chelsea, AL · Shelby County County

Safety Score

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

Total Violations

Lead Risk

Low

Contaminants

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 35043

Tap water in ZIP code 35043 (Chelsea, AL) receives a C grade (score: 63/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Alabaster Water Board is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Alabaster Water Board

EPA ID: AL0001148

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

41,061 residents

County

Shelby County County, Alabama

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Lead Levels in ZIP 35043

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Data Not Available

Lead testing data was not found in EPA records for ZIP code 35043. This may occur with very small systems or systems that report under a parent utility. Contact Alabaster Water Board directly to request lead testing results or a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report.

Lead exposure risk in 35043 is rated Low. EPA models estimate a 18% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This rating reflects newer infrastructure, lower housing age, and/or low detected lead levels. Standard precautions — flushing taps before use, using filtered water for infants — are still recommended.

Lead Exposure Risk Rating

Low

Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

18%

Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.

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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Alabaster Water Board has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years — a strong indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and careful monitoring.

Total Violations (5 yr)

Health-Based Violations

Unresolved Violations

Boil Water Advisories

Compliance Risk

Unknown

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 35043. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type

Surface Water

EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2

Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

1.36%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 35043 Recommendations

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Some compliance concerns — take precautions

Your water has a moderate compliance history. Take steps to protect vulnerable family members.

⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 35043 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 35043?+

Tap water in 35043 (Chelsea, AL) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.

What is the lead level in 35043 tap water?+

Lead level data from EPA monitoring is not available for 35043. Contact Alabaster Water Board directly for the most recent lead testing results.

Who provides tap water to 35043?+

Tap water in ZIP code 35043 is provided by Alabaster Water Board (EPA ID: AL0001148). This system serves approximately 41,061 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.

What is the water source for 35043?+

ZIP code 35043 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.

Does 35043 have any active water quality violations?+

No active violations are on record for ZIP code 35043. EPA data shows this water system is currently in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 35043?+

Your water utility — Alabaster Water Board — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Alabaster Water Board Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.

What water filter should I use in 35043?+

The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 35043, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.

Is 35043 tap water safe for babies and infants?+

Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 35043 shows no available lead data — we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter as a precaution for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 35043 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Alabaster Water Board. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →