Is Tuscaloosa tap water safe to drink?

Yes with good quality

Tuscaloosa'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
3.5 GPG
Hardness
Not detected
PFAS

2 Issues Detected in Tuscaloosa

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for Tuscaloosa

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.2 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Tuscaloosa
Alabama

354,013,540,335,404 · Black Warrior River

Tuscaloosa Drinking Water Quality Report

Low Risk Updated March 2026 99,543 residents
See Best Filters for Tuscaloosa
82
Purity Score

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

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
ND
Lead
2.2 ppb
Nitrate
0.4 mg/L
Arsenic
0.2 mg/L
Hardness
3.5 gpg

Health Insights

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

Score

82 /100
Good
"Good" threshold (70)

Tuscaloosa tap water is sourced from Black Warrior River and treated by Tuscaloosa Water and Sewer. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

Fix Your Water

Best filters matched to Tuscaloosa's 2 issues.

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Explore Tuscaloosa Water Data

PFAS Levels in TuscaloosaPFAS testing data
Tuscaloosa Lead LevelsLead testing data
Water Hardness in TuscaloosaHardness levels
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Tuscaloosa Water FAQ

Is Tuscaloosa AL tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa AL use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Tuscaloosa uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.5 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 Tuscaloosa AL water and what is the TDS level?
Tuscaloosa water hardness is 3.5 grains per gallon (soft) with a TDS of 120 ppm (good). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in Tuscaloosa AL drinking water?
Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in Tuscaloosa drinking water.
What is the best water filter for Tuscaloosa?
Based on Tuscaloosa's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Tuscaloosa has elevated chlorine residuals. An under-sink carbon filter removes chlorine and disinfection byproducts at the tap.

Nearby Reports

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

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • Tuscaloosa Water and Sewer CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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