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Water Quality

Madison Utilities provides safe, reliable drinking water that meets or exceeds all state and federal standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Where Your Water Comes From

Your drinking water comes primarily from the Tennessee River, drawn through the Terris Tatum Intake Facility and treated at our Quarry Water Treatment Plant. During periods of high demand, water may also come from wells in and around the Madison area, including Drake, Gillespie, McCrary, and Williams Wells. Each source is monitored and treated to ensure quality, reliability, and safety before entering the distribution system.

Water Testing & Quality Control

We test our water daily for chlorine levels, turbidity, pH, disinfectant byproducts, and metals. Routine testing ensures every drop that reaches your tap meets or exceeds state and federal safety standards. Madison Utilities uses continuous monitoring systems and laboratory verification testing to maintain safe, high-quality drinking water for all customers.

Our Treatment Process

Water is treated using coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to remove or neutralize naturally occurring minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms. All Madison Utilities treatment plants are staffed by certified operators and monitored 24 hours a day.

Water Quality Reports

Every year, Madison Utilities publishes a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as the Water Quality Report. These reports summarize testing results, outline detected substances (if any), and provide educational information about water sources, treatment, and protection measures. Printed copies of all reports are available at the Madison Utilities office or by mail upon request.

The water quality report includes many technical terms that may not be familiar to everyone. If you have questions about the report, please contact our Customer Service department by calling 256-772-0253 or by emailing custserv@madisonutilities.org. You can also submit questions using our online customer feedback form. Our Customer Service staff is very familiar with the water quality reports and will be able to answer most questions. For more technical questions, they will direct you to the appropriate contact within Madison Utilities.

Current & Recent Reports:

Lead & Copper Rule Compliance

In 1991, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a regulation to control lead and copper in drinking water. This rule, known as the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), establishes testing and treatment requirements to limit the metals’ presence in water provided by public systems. Madison Utilities complies with the Lead and Copper Rule, which requires regular sampling at selected homes. A Service Line Inventory has been completed to identify and verify materials across our system.

Household Water Quality Tips

Homeowners also play an important role in maintaining drinking water quality once it reaches their home. Follow these tips to help preserve the quality of water that flows from your tap:

Faucet Aerators

Homeowners also play an important role in maintaining drinking water quality once it reaches their home. Follow these tips to help preserve the quality of water that flows from your tap: View the full

Water Heaters

Drain your water heater annually. Sediment, bacteria, and metals can build up in the tank and impact household water quality and pressure.

Flushing Faucets

After maintenance, flush faucets in each bathroom and kitchen for two minutes to remove any affected water.

Water Filters

Replace home water filter cartridges as recommended by the manufacturer. Bacteria and metals can build up in filter cartridges if not changed regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I notice low water pressure?

Pressure can vary due to system flushing, maintenance, or temporary demand increases. If you are having pressure problems, you can contact our office at 256-772-0253 or email us at custserv@madisonutilities.org. We will work with you to determine if you may be having problems.

Where can I find information on water and wastewater easements?

Please review our easement information document and contact Customer Service at 256-772-0253 or email us at custserv@madisonutilities.org for additional information.

Why does my water look cloudy or discolored?

Air bubbles or naturally occurring minerals can cause temporary changes in appearance. Run your cold water tap for several minutes. If the problem persists, please contact our office at 256-772-0253 or email us custserv@madisonutilities.org. All Madison Utilities water remains safe to drink.

Why does my water taste or smell different?

Seasonal temperature changes and routine maintenance can occasionally affect taste or odor. Sometimes in older homes you may experience a taste or odor issue that can be associated with older plumbing lines and fixtures. All Madison Utilities water remains safe to drink. A possible solution is to open the fixture at the point of the greatest odor and let it flow from one to five minutes. If the problem persists, please contact our office at 256-772-0253 or email us custserv@madisonutilities.org.

How can I remove air or discolored water from my lines?

To remove air from your lines, open the water fixture at the highest elevation of your home. To remove discolored water, open the fixture at the lowest elevation of your home. If the problem persists, please contact our office at 256-772-0253 or email us custserv@madisonutilities.org.

How can I find out what is in my drinking water?

Please see our latest Water Quality Report on this page. We also mail a copy of the latest report to each customer during the month of June. If you have other questions about our water quality, please contact our office at 256-772-0253 or email us custserv@madisonutilities.org.

Should I install a pressure regulator?

It is recommended that you install a pressure regulator if the pressure in your area is 85 pounds per square inch (psi) or above. The regulator installed should have a pressure rating of 15-200 psi. This device can be provided and installed by a plumber of your choice.

Why is there paint in my yard, at the curb, or in the street?

Utilities use temporary paint to mark the location of buried lines and pipe before digging for repairs. The national color code for line locating is as follows:

  • Blue – Water
  • Green – Wastewater
  • Red – Electric
  • Yellow – Gas
  • Orange – Telecommunications
  • White – Proposed excavation area

The paint will wash away in a few days with rainfall. Failure to cooperate with other utilities by locating facilities can lead to service interruptions and worker injuries. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated. If you plan to do it yourself, be sure to call 811 before you dig to make sure you don’t hit any lines.

Contact Madison Utilities Customer Service Team

PHONE

ADDRESS

101 Ray Sanderson Drive
Madison, AL 35758
Get Directions

EMAIL OR ONLINE

HOURS

  • Call Center Hours:

    8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  • Lobby Hours:

    8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  • Drive Through Hours:

    7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.