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Huntsville Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Huntsville tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 103.5 ppm (6.1 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 59 violations recorded over the past 3 years.

B

Generally Safe

Minor compliance issues

6.1 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

1.44ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Moderate water

103.5ppm
0100300+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

59total

All administrative/monitoring

View EPA report →

Is Huntsville Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Huntsville tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.

Lead — Lead (1.44 ppb) is at 10% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

The data below shows test results from 2 water utilities serving 381K people in the Huntsville area.

Based on publicly available data from EPA Water Quality Portal (Various). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.

Do I Need a Water Filter?

Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Huntsville. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce common contaminants.

How Hard is Huntsville Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

103.5 ppm

6.1 grains per gallon

Moderate

Impact on Your Home

Shower

Minor dryness possible

Kitchen

Some water spots

Laundry

May need more detergent

Appliances

Minimal scale

Regional Comparison

Huntsville
103.5
Alabama
70
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Based on 124 water samples from Madison County

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Huntsville tap water.

Test Your WaterSee top-rated kits →

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Huntsville

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

1.44 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Huntsville lead levels are well below the EPA action level.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2023-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Active Violations

Administrative issues pending

Current violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.

3-Year Violation Summary

59

Total Violations

0

Health-Related

59

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Huntsville

Who Provides Huntsville's Water?

Utility Name

HUNTSVILLE UTILITIES

EPA System ID (PWSID)

AL0000882

Primary Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

381K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Huntsville tap water quality

Based on available data, Huntsville tap water meets current EPA drinking water standards with minor compliance issues. While there may be some monitoring violations, there are no significant health-based concerns.
Huntsville has moderate water with a hardness of 103.5 ppm (6.1 grains per gallon). undefined
Lead levels (1.44 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Huntsville's tap water is provided by HUNTSVILLE UTILITIES. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is AL0000882. The primary water source is Surface Water. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Huntsville. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce common contaminants.
Huntsville's water utility has had 59 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 0 were health-based and 59 were monitoring/reporting related.
Huntsville's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a standard practice required by the EPA to prevent waterborne illness. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Huntsville's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources. Surface water is collected from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, then treated before distribution. The water is provided by HUNTSVILLE UTILITIES.

Nearby Cities in Alabama

Birmingham

Hard water

Montgomery

Moderate water

Mobile

Soft water

Tuscaloosa

Moderate water

Bessemer

Hard water

Decatur

Moderate water

View all Alabama cities

This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology

Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)