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All 25 cities ranked best to worst by water quality score
This page ranks all 25 tracked Alabama cities from best to worst tap water quality. Every city earns a water quality score on a 0–100 scale and a matching letter grade, based on reported contaminant levels measured against EPA limits, drinking-water compliance history, and the age and condition of local water infrastructure. In the table below, cities run from the highest score (Prichard) down to the lowest (Florence). See the full scoring methodology for how each grade is calculated.
An A or B grade points to water that consistently tests within federal safety limits, while a C suggests moderate issues worth watching and a D or F flags contaminants or compliance problems serious enough to act on. These grades describe system-level water leaving the treatment plant — they can't account for your home's own plumbing, so older houses with lead service lines or fixtures can add contaminants after the water arrives. For a contaminant-by-contaminant view, see the Alabama contaminant breakdown or drill into the county-level rankings.
How Alabama's 25 cities are distributed by water quality grade
21 out of 25 cities meet or exceed a B grade for water quality
Sorted by water quality score from best to worst. Click any city for a detailed water quality report.
| Rank | City | Score | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prichard | 96/100 | A+ |
| 2 | Enterprise | 95/100 | A+ |
| 3 | Montgomery | 95/100 | A+ |
| #4 | Anniston | 94/100 | A |
| #5 | Tuscaloosa | 93/100 | A |
| #6 | Decatur | 88/100 | A- |
| #7 | Alabaster | 86/100 | A- |
| #8 | Northport | 86/100 | A- |
| #9 | Dothan | 85/100 | A- |
| #10 | Homewood | 85/100 | A- |
| #11 | Opelika | 85/100 | A- |
| #12 | Auburn | 84/100 | B+ |
| #13 | Mobile | 83/100 | B+ |
| #14 | Athens | 81/100 | B+ |
| #15 | Birmingham | 81/100 | B+ |
| #16 | Huntsville | 81/100 | B+ |
| #17 | Madison | 81/100 | B+ |
| #18 | Daphne | 80/100 | B+ |
| #19 | Prattville | 80/100 | B+ |
| #20 | Vestavia Hills | 79/100 | B |
| #21 | Bessemer | 78/100 | B |
| #22 | Phenix City | 72/100 | B- |
| #23 | Gadsden | 70/100 | B- |
| #24 | Hoover | 70/100 | B- |
| #25 | Florence | 68/100 | C+ |
The best water quality in Alabama is found in Prichard with a score of 96/100 and a grade of A+. This puts Prichard among the top-performing cities in the country for drinking water safety.
The most concerning water quality is in Florence scoring 68/100 with a grade of C+. Residents may want to consider home water testing and filtration options.
The statewide average score is 83/100, which is 11 points above the national average of 72/100. A strong majority (84%) of Alabama cities exceed the national average, indicating generally good water infrastructure across the state.
Alabama tap water averages 83/100. Even with solid scores, a certified filter removes trace contaminants and improves taste — especially useful for households with young children or anyone sensitive to chlorine or lead.
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Prichard has the best water quality in Alabama with a score of 96/100 and a grade of A+. This score is based on contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and infrastructure quality. Prichard ranks among the top cities nationally for water quality.
Water quality varies across Alabama. The state average score is 83/100. 84% of Alabama cities have good water quality (grade B or better). All cities in Alabama maintain at least a C-grade, though individual results can vary by neighborhood and home plumbing. Always check your specific city's water quality report for the most accurate local information.
Of the 25 cities tracked in Alabama, 0 cities have a D or F grade, indicating significant water quality concerns. An additional 1 city falls in the C range, suggesting moderate issues. 21 out of 25 cities (84%) score above the national average of 72/100. Residents concerned about their water quality can check their city's detailed report for specific contaminant information.
This page serves as a comprehensive water quality report for all 25 Alabama cities, compiled from EPA contaminant data and compliance records. Each city link provides an individual water quality report with safety grade, top contaminants, and infrastructure assessment. For official Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR), contact your local water utility — federal law requires all community water systems to deliver an annual CCR to customers. The Alabama state environmental agency and the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) also publish official water quality data.
State water quality summary and key statistics
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Side-by-side water quality comparison
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