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EPA SDWIS City OverviewWater Testing & Safety Guide

Birmingham, AL Water Quality Testing & Safety Report

EPA compliance records, water testing guidelines, and hardness metrics for all 63 ZIP codes in Birmingham, Alabama

Sahajul HaqueData aggregated & verified by Sahajul Haque from federal SDWIS & ECHO filings
Quick EPA Verified Summary

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Birmingham, AL?

Yes, tap water in Birmingham, AL is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The city earns an average EPA Safety Grade of B (78/100) across 63 ZIP codes with 0 health violations and moderately hard (105 mg/L / 6.1 GPG) water. Certified testing is recommended for older plumbing or private wells.

Average Score

78/100

Health Violations

0

Water Hardness

Moderately Hard

105 mg/L (6.1 GPG)

High Lead Risk

20

of 63 ZIP codes

B

About Tap Water in Birmingham, AL

Drinking water in Birmingham, AL receives an average water quality grade of B (score: 78/100) across its 63 ZIP codes. Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring is managed by local utilities including Central Alabama Water System.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Birmingham are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Water Quality Testing in Birmingham, AL

Tap Water & Well Water Testing Recommendations

Testing your drinking water in Birmingham confirms whether contaminants like lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS are entering your home. While municipal utilities test water before distribution, private plumbing and private well systems require homeowner testing.

Tap Water Testing Checklist

  • 1.Identify your plumbing age: Homes built before 1986 in Birmingham may have lead solder or lead service lines.
  • 2.Request your utility's latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for annual municipal baseline data.
  • 3.Use an EPA-certified laboratory or state-certified test kit for precision lead and PFAS detection (standard DIY strips cannot reliably measure trace heavy metals).
  • 4.Collect a "first draw" sample: Test water that has sat motionless in pipes for at least 6 hours to check for plumbing corrosion.

Private Well Water Testing Checklist

  • •Private wells in AL are not monitored by the EPA or Alabama Department of Environmental Management — testing is 100% the homeowner's responsibility.
  • •Annual Test: Screen for Total Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates/Nitrites, and pH every spring.
  • •Comprehensive Test (Every 3-5 Years): Test for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Uranium), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Hardness.
  • •Post-Disruption Testing: Immediately test well water following heavy floods, local construction, agricultural runoff, or sudden taste/odor changes.

Critical Water Testing Parameters for Birmingham Residents

ParameterHealth ReasonEPA Limit / Standard
Lead (Pb)Plumbing corrosion; dangerous neurotoxin for children15 ppb (Action Level) / 0 ppb Goal
Total Coliform & E. ColiBacterial contamination from sewage or surface runoff0 mg/L (Zero Tolerance)
Nitrates / NitritesFertilizer and septic tank seepage; causes blue baby syndrome10 mg/L (MCL)
Water Hardness (Ca & Mg)Affects appliance lifespan, scale buildup, and skin hydrationModerate (~100 mg/L)
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")Industrial non-stick chemicals linked to metabolic and immune issues4.0 ppt (EPA 2024 Rule)
State Regulatory Oversight: Environmental standards and certified water lab registries in AL are maintained by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Birmingham, AL

Showing 63 of 63 monitored ZIP codes in Birmingham

B
35201

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35202

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35219

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35220

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35224

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35229

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35231

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35232

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35233

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35236

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35237

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35238

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35246

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35249

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35253

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35254

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35255

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35259

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35260

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35261

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35266

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35270

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35282

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record
B
35283

Birmingham, AL

Score: 81/100✓ Clean Record

All Birmingham, AL ZIP Code Reports (63 Total)

352013520235219352203522435229352313523235233352363523735238352463524935253352543525535259352603526135266352703528235283352853528735288352903529135292352933529435295352963529735298352993520335205352073520835210352113521235222352353524235244352043520635209352143521635217352183522135223352263522835234352433521335215

Nearby Cities Water Quality & Testing in Alabama

Compare tap water safety, EPA test scores, and water hardness across neighboring cities in Alabama:

Abbeville, AL1 ZIP code
Grade A
Abernant, AL1 ZIP code
Grade C
Adamsville, AL1 ZIP code
Grade C
Addison, AL1 ZIP code
Grade B
Adger, AL1 ZIP code
Grade C
Akron, AL1 ZIP code
Grade B
Alabaster, AL1 ZIP code
Grade B
Alberta, AL1 ZIP code
Grade B

Frequently Asked Questions — Birmingham Water Quality & Testing

Is tap water safe to drink in Birmingham, AL?+
Yes — tap water in Birmingham meets federal EPA standards and earns a B grade. It is generally safe for healthy adults. As always, running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a filter adds extra protection for vulnerable populations.
How do I test water quality in Birmingham, AL?+
To test water quality in Birmingham, you can order an EPA-compliant drinking water test kit or submit samples to a state-certified environmental testing laboratory in AL. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 (to check for lead in plumbing) and for properties with private well systems.
Should I test private well water in Birmingham?+
Yes. Unlike municipal tap water, private wells in Birmingham, AL are not monitored or regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners are responsible for testing their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
How hard is the tap water in Birmingham?+
Tap water in Birmingham is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated average hardness of 105 mg/L (6.1 GPG). A water softener is generally optional.
What is the water quality score for Birmingham?+
The average water quality score across 63 ZIP codes in Birmingham, AL is 78/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Birmingham have lead in its tap water?+
20 out of 63 ZIP codes in Birmingham are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.
Where does Birmingham's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Birmingham, AL primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

Looking for water quality reports in other cities in Alabama?

View All Cities & ZIPs in Alabama