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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.
Water quality data for 2 cities serving 671,091 residents
Jefferson County in Alabama has an average water quality score of 86/100 (Grade B) based on analysis of 2 municipal water systems. The county's water systems serve approximately 671,091 residents.
Overall, Jefferson County demonstrates good water quality standards. 1 of 2 cities exceed the county average, with Birmingham leading with a score of 91/100.
2 cities ranked by water quality score
| Rank | City | Score | Grade | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birmingham Biggest deduction: Other PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling: PFBS 7.9 ppt, 6:2 FTS 5.8 ppt, PFBA 6.1 ppt, PFHxA 8.5 ppt, PFPeA 11.3 ppt (−6 pts) | 91 | A | 585,000 |
| 2 | Bessemer Biggest deduction: PFOS detected at up to 5.9 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2025-02-24), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 80 | B | 86,091 |
Real EPA readings across county water systems (lead: latest 90th percentile; PFAS: UCMR5 2023–2026; others: 2012–2019 averages)
| Contaminant | Avg Level | Max Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5) | 2.95 ppt | 5.9 ppt | 4 ppt | 73.8% | 2 |
| TTHM (2012–2019 avg) | 38.297 ug/L | 42.673 ug/L | 80 ug/L | 47.9% | 2 |
| HAA5 (2012–2019 avg) | 22.259 ug/L | 26.392 ug/L | 60 ug/L | 37.1% | 2 |
| Fluoride (2012–2019 avg) | 0.486 mg/L | 0.486 mg/L | 4 mg/L | 12.2% | 1 |
| Lead (90th percentile) | 1.382 ppb | 1.764 ppb | 15 ppb | 9.2% | 2 |
| Radium (2012–2019 avg) | 0.181 pCi/L | 0.181 pCi/L | 5 pCi/L | 3.6% | 1 |
| Nitrate (2012–2019 avg) | 0.295 mg/L | 0.295 mg/L | 10 mg/L | 3% | 1 |
| Arsenic (2012–2019 avg) | 0 ug/L | 0 ug/L | 10 ug/L | 0% | 1 |
Recent violations across county water systems
Monitoring & reporting — Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
12/31/2025
Monitoring & reporting — Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R - Lead and Copper Rule
10/10/2023
Monitoring & reporting — Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) - Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
6/30/2022
Monitoring & reporting — Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R - Lead and Copper Rule
10/24/2016
Water quality in Jefferson County, Alabama reflects the region's unique combination of water sources, treatment infrastructure, and environmental factors. Our comprehensive analysis examines 2 municipal water systems serving a combined population of over 671,091 residents.
The county shows strong water quality performance, with scores ranging from 80/100 in Bessemer to 91/100 in Birmingham. This 11-point spread indicates relatively consistent water quality standards across municipal systems.
The most prevalent contaminants detected across Jefferson County water systems include PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5), TTHM (2012–2019 avg), HAA5 (2012–2019 avg). At least one reading averages above 50% of its EPA limit across the county's systems, worth attention from residents and utilities.
Jefferson County's water quality is generally good. Residents can feel confident in their tap water quality, though those with specific health concerns or sensitivity to certain contaminants may still benefit from filtration. Regular review of your city's annual Consumer Confidence Report is recommended.
Jefferson County has an average water quality score of 86/100 (Grade B) based on analysis of 2 municipal water systems serving 671,091 residents.
Birmingham has the highest water quality score in Jefferson County at 91/100. View the detailed report for Birmingham.
Most cities in Jefferson County have water that meets EPA standards. However, a water filter can provide additional protection and improve taste. The need depends on your specific city and any personal health considerations.
Click on any city in the rankings table above to view its detailed water quality report, including contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and filter recommendations.