Is Alabama Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Water quality data for 14 cities across Alabama. Find your city below.
Water quality in Alabama varies significantly from city to city. Across 14 cities we track, hardness ranges from 30 PPM in Phenix City to 130 PPM in Huntsville, with a statewide average of 70 PPM. 3 of 14 cities have hard water above 120 PPM where a water softener provides measurable benefits.
6 Alabama cities have forever chemicals (PFAS) above the EPA's 2024 limit of 4 parts per trillion: Huntsville (34.09 ppt), Madison (15.55 ppt), Florence (34.8 ppt), Prattville (83.63 ppt), Auburn (14.5 ppt), and 1 more. A reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter can reduce PFAS to safe levels.
Complete Alabama Guide
Statewide water quality overview, costs, and treatment recommendations.
Well Water in Alabama
Testing, treatment, and common issues for private wells.
Hardest Water Rankings
Alabama cities ranked by water hardness level.
City Comparisons
Huntsville vs Phenix City
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Huntsville vs Madison
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Madison vs Florence
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Alabama Cities by Water Hardness
| City | Hardness (PPM) | Level | PFAS (ppt) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville | 130 | Hard | 34.09 | Tennessee River |
| Madison | 125 | Hard | 15.55 | Tennessee River & Wheeler Reservoir |
| Florence | 120 | Hard | 34.8 | Wilson Dam & Tennessee River |
| Hoover | 93 | Moderately Hard | 31.77 | Cahaba River |
| Tuscaloosa | 72 | Moderately Hard | 0 | Black Warrior River |
| Mobile | 69 | Moderately Hard | 0 | Big Creek Lake |
| Dothan | 61 | Moderately Hard | 11 | Chattahoochee River Basin wells |
| Decatur | 58 | Slightly Hard | 12.78 | Tennessee River |
| Vestavia Hills | 55 | Slightly Hard | 31.77 | Cahaba River |
| Birmingham | 50 | Slightly Hard | 31.77 | Inland Lake + Purdy Creek |
| Prattville | 45 | Slightly Hard | 83.63 | Autauga Creek & local wells |
| Montgomery | 41 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Tallapoosa River |
| Auburn | 35 | Slightly Hard | 14.5 | Lake Ogletree & reservoirs |
| Phenix City | 30 | Slightly Hard | 32.34 | Chattahoochee River |