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Cybersecurity Resources for Public Water and Wastewater Systems

Recent attacks on drinking water and other utilities have increased interest in protecting Alabama’s critical infrastructure from bad actors in cyberspace. ADEM strongly encourages each water and wastewater system to take commonsense security steps and conduct periodic cybersecurity assessment to prevent such attacks. Some helpful resources can be found here:

Common Water Quality Complaints



Color Problems



Brown, red, orange, or yellow water is usually caused by rust. The different colors can be attributed to varying chemical oxidation states of the iron (rust) and by varying concentrations of the rust in the water. There are two major sources that can cause water to be rust: the water mains, or the water pipes in your building. Iron can also occur naturally in your water. Another possible cause of brown water is manganese.

Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC)

Section 401(a)(1) of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251, et seq., requires that certain types of activities obtain a state WQC. The Department issues certification, for a period generally limited to five (5) years from the date of issuance, when there is reasonable assurance that discharges resulting from the proposed activities will not violate applicable water quality standards established under Section 303 of the CWA and Title 22, Section 22-22-9(g), Code of Alabama 1975, provided the applicant acts in accordance with conditions specified in the certification.

Water Guidance Documents

BMP Information for Recyclers

The attached is provided as Guidance information. However, it is the facility's responsibility to comply with all state and federal requirements. If you have any questions, please contact the Industrial Section of ADEM at (334) 271-7799.

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