Central Alabama Water Board (CAW) Monday began drug testing all employees of the water utility under a policy implemented as part of the system’s new employee handbook.

State Rep. Juandalynn Givan alleges Central Alabama Water’s new zero-tolerance policy is part of a broader strategy to replace Black employees after a 2025 board restructuring.

The water utility remains silent on specifics of its drug testing and firings, while the employee association claims it is part of an effort to reduce the workforce and slash jobs.

One man running to be the next mayor of Birmingham has called for debates — and drug tests — for everyone seeking to lead the city. “We’ve got to have a sober mayor,” said Kamau Afrika, a longtime ...

Central Alabama Water confirmed that it started mandatory drug testing for all employees Monday.