Environmental groups have asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to intervene in a south Alabama water system they said has been plagued by leaks, contamination and financial mismanagement, endangering residents in the low-income community.

The petition was filed Monday by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of the We Matter Eight Mile Community Association, a community-based organization that advocates for safe and affordable drinking water in Prichard, and more than 20 environmental justice and faith-based groups. It asks the EPA to use its emergency powers to address problems at the Prichard Water Works and Sewer Board.