Alabama Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 10 cities in Alabama, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
3 of 10 cities violation-free
10 cities tested
10 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Alabama
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Birmingham
585K served
Montgomery
280K served
Decatur
107K served
Athens
106K served
Florence
107K served
Dothan
104K served
Tuscaloosa
182K served
Bessemer
125K served
Mobile
279K served
Huntsville
381K served
Most Water Quality Issues in Alabama
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Huntsville
381K served
Mobile
279K served
Bessemer
125K served
Tuscaloosa
182K served
Dothan
104K served
Florence
107K served
Athens
106K served
Water Hardness Across Alabama
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Alabama Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Alabama has 10 tracked water utilities serving approximately 2.3M residents. The average water hardness is 85 ppm (5 GPG), classified as Moderately Hard — below the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 35 ppm in Dothan to 159 ppm in Bessemer.
In the past 3 years, 7 of 10 cities in Alabama have recorded water quality violations, totaling 103 violations (12 health-based). All 10 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Alabama?
Most tap water in Alabama meets EPA standards, but 7 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (12 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Alabama?
Alabama's average water hardness is 85 ppm (5 GPG), classified as Moderately Hard. This is below the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Alabama has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Birmingham ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Alabama. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Alabama has the most water quality issues?
Huntsville currently has the most water quality concerns in Alabama, with 59 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Alabama get its water from?
The majority of Alabama's water systems (80%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 10 Cities
Sorted by population served
Birmingham
Utility serves 585K
Huntsville
Utility serves 381K
Montgomery
Utility serves 280K
Mobile
Utility serves 279K
Tuscaloosa
Utility serves 182K
Bessemer
Utility serves 125K
Decatur
Utility serves 107K
Florence
Utility serves 107K
Athens
Utility serves 106K
Dothan
Utility serves 104K