Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Real EPA measurements of fluoride for Alabama water systems — Six-Year Review compliance samples 2012–2019 (historical). Methodology
Every Alabama system with a fluoride result in EPA's data, sorted by level. Averages of 2012–2019 finished-water samples, non-detects counted as zero — historical, not today's tap.
| City | Level | Period | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpelikaGrade C | 0.741 mg/LAverage of 17 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 18.5% | Safe |
| EnterpriseGrade A | 0.695 mg/LAverage of 51 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 17.4% | Safe |
| MobileGrade B | 0.668 mg/LAverage of 17 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 16.7% | Safe |
| TuscaloosaGrade C | 0.667 mg/LAverage of 23 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 16.7% | Safe |
| DaphneGrade C | 0.663 mg/LAverage of 20 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 16.6% | Safe |
| NorthportGrade A | 0.644 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 16.1% | Safe |
| DecaturGrade A | 0.621 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 15.5% | Safe |
| Phenix CityGrade D | 0.609 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 15.2% | Safe |
| AthensGrade A | 0.599 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 15.0% | Safe |
| DothanGrade A | 0.588 mg/LAverage of 86 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 14.7% | Safe |
| MadisonGrade A | 0.568 mg/LAverage of 7 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 14.2% | Safe |
| GadsdenGrade D | 0.528 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 13.2% | Safe |
| PrattvilleGrade D | 0.525 mg/LAverage of 26 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 13.1% | Safe |
| AnnistonGrade A | 0.510 mg/LAverage of 15 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 12.8% | Safe |
| AuburnGrade B | 0.508 mg/LAverage of 10 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 12.7% | Safe |
| BirminghamGrade A | 0.486 mg/LAverage of 40 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 12.2% | Safe |
| HuntsvilleGrade C | 0.478 mg/LAverage of 26 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 12.0% | Safe |
| FlorenceGrade C | 0.470 mg/LAverage of 22 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 11.8% | Safe |
| MontgomeryGrade A | 0.332 mg/LAverage of 49 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 8.3% | Safe |
| AlabasterGrade D | 0 mg/LAverage of 4 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 0.0% | Safe |
While fluoride at low levels is added to prevent tooth decay, excessive exposure can cause problems. Dental fluorosis causes white spots on teeth in children. Skeletal fluorosis from long-term exposure to very high levels can cause joint stiffness and bone damage. Studies have suggested potential links between high fluoride levels and thyroid function issues.
Water additive for dental health; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer factories
Based on our analysis of EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) data and local water utility reports,fluoride has been detected in 20 Alabama water systems. The average level across all tested cities is 14% of the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with the highest detection at 18.5% of the limit.
The EPA MCL for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L, with a secondary standard of 2.0 mg/L. The EPA MCL for fluoride is 4 mg/L. This limit is set to protect public health based on available scientific evidence about the contaminant's health effects.
20 Alabama cities have fluoride detected in their water supply. All tested cities are within EPA safety limits.
Dental fluorosis (tooth discoloration), skeletal problems at high levels, potential thyroid effects. The most vulnerable groups include children during tooth development and people with kidney disease.
The most effective methods for removing fluoride include Reverse Osmosis, Distillation, Activated Alumina. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI for fluoride reduction.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride is 4 mg/L.The EPA MCL for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L, with a secondary standard of 2.0 mg/L.
This page shows what Alabama utilities reported for fluoride. It cannot tell you what is coming out of your own tap: utility samples are taken across a whole system and averaged, levels vary by address and season, and anything picked up after the water leaves the main never appears in their report.
Home water test kitscheck your own tap before buying any filterRecommended filtration methods for fluoride removal:
Removes 90-95% of fluoride
Very effective
Specifically designed for fluoride
Paid links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Filters are matched to the removal methods listed above for fluoride.