Covering Fort Payne, Rainsville, Fyffe, Mentone, Collinsville. Updated with the latest utility data and the February 2026 Sierra Club PFAS findings.
Water Source
Mix — Municipal utilities in Fort Payne/Rainsville; Private wells (rural ~55%)
| Metric | Reading | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Water Hardness | 13.0–16.0 GPG | High |
| PFAS | LOW — No major point sources | Low–Moderate |
| Disinfectant | Chlorine (city); Untreated (wells — ~55% of county) | Standard |
| Primary Concerns | Tannins (yellow/brown color from organic matter), iron/manganese, hardness, ~55% of homes on well water | |
🌿 Tannin Alert: DeKalb County has a higher prevalence of tannin contamination in well water than any other North Alabama county — a result of the county's abundant organic matter and specific soil composition. Tannins cause a yellow-brown tint and earthy odor that carbon filters alone cannot address. If your well water is discolored, request a tannin test and consider an anion exchange tannin filter as part of your treatment stack.
Recommended system: Well water: sediment filter + tannin filter + iron filter + softener. City water: softener + carbon filter.
✔ Recommendation reviewed by a 19-Year Water Industry Veteran
Read the Full System Guide →County-wide data is a useful starting point, but your specific water source matters. Use our interactive diagnostic tool to get a recommendation based on your exact city, or use our free quiz: