Is Your Home Sitting on a Sinkhole? What Every Lawrence County Resident Should Know

An example of a sinkhole.

Lawrence County has a secret under its soil — and it’s not staying hidden forever.

Because our area sits on what's called karst terrain, where underground limestone slowly dissolves over time, sinkholes naturally form beneath us. It's a slow process, but every now and then, the ground can give way, creating those sudden dips or holes.

While sinkholes can feel sudden when they happen, the truth is they've been forming for years, even decades, before finally reaching the surface. Most of the time, they stay small and harmless — but when they do open up, they can cause real headaches for property owners and city leaders alike.

A map showing sinkhole activity in Lawrence County.

A map from the Geological Survey of Alabama shows red dots scattered all across Lawrence County — especially near Town Creek, Courtland, Hillsboro, and south of Moulton. But the truth is, sinkholes can pop up just about anywhere around here.

Some signs a sinkhole might be forming include:

• Cracks in the ground, driveway, or foundation

• Doors or windows that suddenly start sticking

• Changes in well water levels

• Soft spots or small depressions in your yard

If you notice anything like this, it’s a good idea to have it checked out. Catching a potential sinkhole early can prevent bigger problems later on.

Recent Local Example

Just this month, a small sinkhole developed at the Moulton Water Treatment Plant. Thankfully, it turned out to be a minor repair (though still costly — over $13,000 was spent to fix it!) and was handled quickly and professionally.

It’s a good reminder that while sinkholes are part of our natural environment, they’re usually manageable when caught early.

No Need for Panic

Sinkholes are a natural part of life in areas like ours, but they’re usually rare and often small. Most folks in Lawrence County will go their whole lives without ever dealing with one personally.

The best thing you can do is stay aware, keep an eye out for signs, and trust that local officials and experts are keeping our infrastructure in good shape.

If you ever have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to local authorities or check out the Alabama Geological Survey’s sinkhole page here for more information.

Lawrence County folks are tough — and with a little awareness, we’ll stay on solid ground.