Alabama Water Quality Report 2026

10 cities1,244,242 residentsUpdated March 2026

B82/100State Average
Alabama has 10 cities in our database, serving approximately 1,244,242 residents. The average PurityMap score is 82.0/100 (Grade: B), which is 4.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Birmingham has the cleanest water (82/100) while Birmingham scores lowest (82/100) due to lower overall score.
Is Alabama Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Safe to Drink

Alabama tap water is safe to drink based on our analysis of 10 water systems serving 1,244,242 residents. The average PurityMap score is 82.0/100 (Grade: B), which is 4.1 points above the national average.

  • 10 cities use chloramine or have elevated chlorine residuals. Standard Brita pitchers do not remove chloramine.
Our Recommendation

Alabama water is generally good quality. A carbon pitcher or faucet filter removes chlorine taste and provides extra protection. No major filtration investment is needed for most residents.

All 10 cities in Alabama meet EPA federal drinking water standards as of 2026. However, EPA standards set legal limits — not health goals. Many contaminants are detected at levels that are legal but may still pose long-term health risks according to independent health organizations like the EWG.
Alabama at a Glance
82Avg Purity Score
4Avg Hardness (GPG)
Moderate
0Cities with PFAS
0Cities with Hard Water
2.5Avg Lead (ppb)
141Avg TDS (ppm)

Alabama is 4.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 2.3 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.

Best & Worst Water in Alabama
Consistent Quality

All 10 cities score similarly

82/100
Score Distribution

How Alabama's 10 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:

Excellent (85–100)
0 cities
Good (70–84)
10 cities
Moderate (60–69)
0 cities
Poor (below 60)
0 cities
Largest Cities in Alabama — Water Quality

Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.











CityPopulationScoreHardnessKey Issues
Birmingham212K 82/1004.2 GPG—
Montgomery201K 82/1003.8 GPG—
Huntsville191K 82/1004.0 GPG—
Mobile187K 82/1002.8 GPG—
Tuscaloosa100K 82/1003.5 GPG—
Hoover93K 82/1004.2 GPG—
Auburn76K 82/1003.0 GPG—
Dothan71K 82/1006.5 GPG—
Decatur57K 82/1004.5 GPG—
Madison57K 82/1004.0 GPG—
Hard Water in Alabama

Alabama generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 4.0 GPG (Moderate). Most residents do not need a softener.

PFAS in Alabama Water

Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Alabama cities in our database as of 2026.

Lead in Alabama Water

All Alabama cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 2.5 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.

Water Sources in Alabama

Where Alabama gets its drinking water, based on 10 water systems.



Source TypeCities% of Total
Surface Water880%
Groundwater220%
Recommended Filter for Alabama

Alabama water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.

All Alabama Cities — Ranked
#CityPop.ScoreHardnessLeadPFASTDS
1Birmingham212K 82/1004.2 GPG (Moderate)3.2 ppb✅ No140 ppm
2Montgomery201K 82/1003.8 GPG (Moderate)2.8 ppb✅ No130 ppm
3Huntsville191K 82/1004.0 GPG (Moderate)2.5 ppb✅ No125 ppm
4Tuscaloosa100K 82/1003.5 GPG (Soft)2.2 ppb✅ No120 ppm
5Mobile187K 82/1002.8 GPG (Soft)3.0 ppb✅ No100 ppm
6Hoover93K 82/1004.2 GPG (Moderate)2.8 ppb✅ No140 ppm
7Dothan71K 82/1006.5 GPG (Moderate)2.0 ppb✅ No260 ppm
8Auburn76K 82/1003.0 GPG (Soft)1.8 ppb✅ No135 ppm
9Decatur57K 82/1004.5 GPG (Moderate)2.2 ppb✅ No135 ppm
10Madison57K 82/1004.0 GPG (Moderate)2.5 ppb✅ No125 ppm
Water Utilities in Alabama

Alabama has 8 utilities. Major: Birmingham Water Works Board, Montgomery Water Works, Huntsville Utilities, Tuscaloosa Water and Sewer, Mobile Area Water and Sewer System.

Sources: Inland Lake surface water, Tallapoosa River, Wheeler Reservoir, Black Warrior River, Tombigbee River.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the best water in Alabama?
Birmingham scores highest at 82/100. Source: Inland Lake surface water.
Which city has the worst water in Alabama?
Birmingham scores lowest at 82/100 due to lower overall score.
Is Alabama water hard or soft?
Average hardness: 4.0 GPG (Moderate). 2.3 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG. 0 of 10 cities have hard/very hard water.
Has PFAS been found in Alabama water?
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Alabama cities in our database as of 2026.
What water filter should I use in Alabama?
Alabama water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
How does Alabama water compare to the US average?
Score: 82.0/100 (4.1 points above US avg 77.9). Hardness: 4.0 GPG (2.3 GPG below US avg 6.3).
Where does Alabama get its drinking water?Where does Alabama get its drinking water?
Alabama water comes from: Surface Water: 8 cities (80%), Groundwater: 2 cities (20%).
Data Sources & Methodology
  • EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
  • USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

How we analyze water Data sources
All Alabama Cities with Water Reports

10 city water quality reports available for Alabama.

10 Reports
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Showing all 10 cities
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