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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.

Take Action for Clean Water

When it rains and water flows across our yards, streets and parking lots, it flows directly into storm drains. You've probably seen storm drains on our Alabama streets. Many people think that the water and pollutants that flow into a storm drain get treated, just like wastewater in a sewer system. However, these two systems are not connected. Everything that flows into a storm drain goes untreated directly into our creeks, rivers, lakes, and ultimately the ocean.

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