Is Birmingham tap water safe to drink?

Yes with good quality

Birmingham's tap water meets all EPA standards and scores well on our analysis. It is generally safe to drink though filtration can improve taste and provide extra precaution.

82/100
Purity Score
2
Issues Found
4.2 GPG
Hardness
Not detected
PFAS

2 Issues Detected in Birmingham

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for Birmingham

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.3 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Birmingham
Alabama

352,013,520,335,204 · Inland Lake surface water

Birmingham, AL: Water Quality and Filter Guide

Low Risk Updated March 2026 212,237 residents
See Best Filters for Birmingham
82
Purity Score

This 2026 water quality report for Birmingham compiles data from EPA SDWIS, EWG testing records, and the Birmingham Water Works Board consumer confidence report. Scores, contaminant levels, and matched filter recommendations are below.

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
ND
Lead
3.2 ppb
Nitrate
0.6 mg/L
Arsenic
0.3 mg/L
Hardness
4.2 gpg

Health Insights

  • 1
    Chlorine levels may affect the taste of Birmingham's tap water. A carbon filter improves flavor.

Score

82 /100
Good
"Good" threshold (70)

Birmingham tap water is sourced from Inland Lake surface water and treated by Birmingham Water Works Board. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

Fix Your Water

Best filters matched to Birmingham's 2 issues.

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Explore Birmingham Water Data

PFAS in BirminghamForever chemicals
Lead in BirminghamLead risk
Birmingham Hard WaterHardness data
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Birmingham Water FAQ

Is Birmingham AL tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Birmingham tap water meets EPA federal drinking water standards and scores 82/100 (Good) on PurityMap for 2026. For most healthy adults the water is considered safe but point-of-use filtration adds an important layer of protection.
Does Birmingham AL use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Birmingham uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.6 ppm. Chloramine is harder to remove than free chlorine and requires a catalytic carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Standard Brita-style pitchers will NOT remove chloramine.
How hard is Birmingham AL water and what is the TDS level?
Birmingham water hardness is 4.2 grains per gallon (moderate) with a TDS of 140 ppm (good). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in Birmingham AL drinking water?
Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in Birmingham drinking water.
What is the best water filter for Birmingham?
Based on Birmingham's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Birmingham has elevated chlorine residuals. An under-sink carbon filter removes chlorine and disinfection byproducts at the tap.

Nearby Reports

MontgomeryAlabama — 82/100HuntsvilleAlabama — 82/100TuscaloosaAlabama — 82/100MobileAlabama — 82/100HooverAlabama — 82/100DothanAlabama — 82/100

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • Birmingham Water Works Board CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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