# Birmingham, AL — Drinking Water Quality

> Contaminant levels for the Birmingham, AL public water system, transcribed from its annual Consumer Confidence Report and compared to federal limits.

- Page: https://www.thewatermap.com/water/birmingham-al
- JSON API: https://www.thewatermap.com/api/water/birmingham-al
- Source: the utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- Verification: transcribed by a model, cross-checked by a second model, approved by a human
- Contaminants measured: 66
- Contaminants with a federal limit: 44
- Contaminants at or above the federal limit: 1
- Part of The Water Map — https://www.thewatermap.com

## Contaminants measured

| Contaminant | Category | Measured level | Sampling context | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | Disinfectants | 1.4–2.97 (Range) | System-wide | 4 (MRDLG) | Approaching the limit |
| Bromodichloromethane | Disinfection byproducts | 8.17 (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0 (MCLG) | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chloroform | Disinfection byproducts | 8.84–19 (Range) | System-wide | 70 (MCLG) | Within the limit |
| Dibromochloromethane | Disinfection byproducts | 0–2 (Range) | System-wide | 60 (MCLG) | Within the limit |
| HAA5 | Disinfection byproducts | 17.1–53.4 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| TTHM | Disinfection byproducts | 17.3–87.6 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chloride | Inorganic chemicals | 11.3 (Reported level) | System-wide | 250 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Cyanide | Inorganic chemicals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.2 (MCL) | None detected |
| Dichloroacetic acid | Inorganic chemicals | 8.01–18.2 (Range) | System-wide | 0 (MCLG) | Detected — no federal limit |
| Fluoride | Inorganic chemicals | 0–0.65 (Range) | System-wide | 4 (MCLG) | Within the limit |
| Nitrate | Inorganic chemicals | 0–0.5 (Range) | System-wide | 10 (MCLG) | Within the limit |
| Nitrite | Inorganic chemicals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 1 (MCL) | None detected |
| Sulfate | Inorganic chemicals | 70.1 (Reported level) | System-wide | 250 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Trichloroacetic acid | Inorganic chemicals | 9.2 (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 20 (MCLG) | Within the limit |
| Aluminum | Metals | 0.008–0.029 (Range) | System-wide | 0.05 (MCL) | Approaching the limit |
| Antimony | Metals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.006 (MCL) | None detected |
| Arsenic | Metals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.01 (MCL) | None detected |
| Barium | Metals | 0.032 (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 2 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Beryllium | Metals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.004 (MCL) | None detected |
| Cadmium | Metals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.005 (MCL) | None detected |
| Calcium | Metals | 11.8–40.5 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Chromium, Total | Metals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.1 (MCL) | None detected |
| Copper | Metals | 0–0.352 (Range) | At the tap | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Lead | Metals | 0–0.033 (Range) | At the tap | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Magnesium | Metals | 7.44 (Reported level) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Manganese | Metals | 0–0.005 (Range) | System-wide | 0.05 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Mercury | Metals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.002 (MCL) | None detected |
| Nickel | Metals | 0.003 (Reported level) | System-wide | 0.1 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Potassium | Metals | 1.45–2.24 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Selenium | Metals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.05 (MCL) | None detected |
| Sodium | Metals | 1.19–12.3 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Thallium | Metals | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.002 (MCL) | None detected |
| Zinc | Metals | 0–0.007 (Range) | System-wide | 5 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Cryptosporidium | Microbial | 0–0.1 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Escherichia coli (E. coli) | Microbial | 0–1414 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Total Coliform | Microbial | 0.74 (Reported level) | Distribution | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS) | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 0–0.0058 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 0–0.0079 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluorohexanoic acid | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 0–0.0085 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Perfluoropentanoic acid | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 0–0.0113 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| PFBA | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 0.0061 (Average) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| PFOA | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 0.0025 (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.004 (MCL) | Approaching the limit |
| PFOS | PFAS ("forever chemicals") | 0.0025–0.0036 (Range) | System-wide | 0.004 (MCL) | Approaching the limit |
| Alkalinity | Physical & aggregate | 24–98 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Hardness | Physical & aggregate | 40–156 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| pH | Physical & aggregate | 8.55 (Reported level) | System-wide | 6.5 (MCL) | At or above the limit |
| Specific Conductance | Physical & aggregate | 108–370 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Temperature | Physical & aggregate | 79 (Reported level) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| TOC | Physical & aggregate | 2 (Highest single sample) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Total Dissolved Solids | Physical & aggregate | 388 (Reported level) | System-wide | 500 (MCL) | Approaching the limit |
| Turbidity | Physical & aggregate | 0.34–98.7 NTU (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 0.7 pCi/L (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 5 pCi/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 1.1 pCi/L (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 15 pCi/L (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Atrazine | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 3 (MCL) | None detected |
| Benzene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 5 (MCL) | None detected |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.2 (MCL) | None detected |
| Dalapon | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 200 (MCL) | None detected |
| DBCP | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.2 (MCL) | None detected |
| Dichloromethane | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 5 (MCL) | None detected |
| Ethylbenzene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 700 (MCL) | None detected |
| Ethylene dibromide | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 0.05 (MCL) | None detected |
| Simazine | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 4 (MCL) | None detected |
| Tetrachloroethylene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 5 (MCL) | None detected |
| Toluene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 1000 (MCL) | None detected |
| Trichloroethylene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 5 (MCL) | None detected |
| Xylenes | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Highest single sample) | System-wide | 10 (MCL) | None detected |

## What these contaminants are

- **Chlorine** — A disinfectant added to drinking water to kill bacteria and viruses. Effective and necessary, but high residual levels can cause taste and odor issues; the EPA caps the residual disinfectant level.
- **Bromodichloromethane** — A trihalomethane disinfection byproduct. Counted within regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is associated with cancer and reproductive effects.
- **Chloroform** — A trihalomethane formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. A component of regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is linked to liver and kidney effects.
- **Dibromochloromethane** — A trihalomethane disinfection byproduct. Part of regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is linked to nervous-system, liver, and kidney effects.
- **HAA5** — Haloacetic acids — a group of five disinfection byproducts formed when disinfectants react with organic matter. Long-term exposure above the federal limit is associated with an increased cancer risk.
- **TTHM** — Total trihalomethanes — a group of four chemicals (including chloroform) formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. Long-term exposure above the federal limit is linked to liver, kidney, and central-nervous-system effects and increased cancer risk.
- **Chloride** — A naturally occurring salt compound. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels cause a salty taste and can corrode pipes.
- **Dichloroacetic acid** — A haloacetic acid disinfection byproduct. One of the five haloacetic acids regulated together as HAA5 for cancer risk.
- **Fluoride** — A mineral often added to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. Beneficial at low levels, but long-term exposure above the federal limit can cause bone disease and tooth mottling.
- **Nitrate** — A compound from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. Levels above the federal limit can cause 'blue baby syndrome,' a serious oxygen-transport condition in infants.
- **Nitrite** — A compound from fertilizer runoff, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits. Like nitrate, elevated levels can cause 'blue baby syndrome' in infants.
- **Sulfate** — A naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. No health-based federal limit; high levels can have a laxative effect and a bitter taste.
- **Trichloroacetic acid** — A haloacetic acid disinfection byproduct. One of the five haloacetic acids regulated together as HAA5.
- **Aluminum** — A common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels can discolor water.
- **Arsenic** — A naturally occurring element that also enters water from industry and agriculture. A known human carcinogen; long-term exposure is linked to skin, bladder, and lung cancer.
- **Barium** — A metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial discharge. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can raise blood pressure.
- **Calcium** — A naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. Not federally regulated for health; affects scaling and taste.
- **Chromium, Total** — Total chromium — the sum of all chromium forms, from natural deposits and industrial discharge. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can cause allergic dermatitis; includes hexavalent chromium.
- **Copper** — A metal that enters water from corroding household plumbing. Short-term exposure causes stomach distress; long-term exposure can damage the liver and kidneys.
- **Lead** — A toxic metal that leaches into water from old service lines, solder, and plumbing fixtures. There is no safe level of lead; it harms brain development in children and raises blood pressure in adults. The EPA sets an action level, not a health goal above zero.
- **Magnesium** — A naturally occurring mineral that contributes to water hardness. Not federally regulated for health; affects scaling and taste.
- **Manganese** — A naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. No enforceable federal limit; high levels stain fixtures and laundry and can affect taste, with a health advisory for infants.
- **Mercury** — A toxic metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial runoff. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can damage the kidneys.
- **Nickel** — A metal from natural deposits and industrial discharge. Long-term exposure can cause skin and other effects; monitored under EPA rules.
- **Potassium** — A naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. Not federally regulated for health.
- **Selenium** — A trace element from natural deposits and industrial discharge. Essential in tiny amounts, but long-term exposure above the federal limit can cause hair and fingernail loss and circulatory problems.
- **Sodium** — A naturally occurring salt component. Not federally regulated for health; relevant for people on sodium-restricted diets.
- **Zinc** — A naturally occurring metal that can also enter water from corroding pipes. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels cause a metallic taste.
- **Escherichia coli (E. coli)** — Escherichia coli — bacteria found in the gut of humans and animals. Its presence in drinking water indicates fecal contamination and a real risk of waterborne illness.
- **Total Coliform** — A group of bacteria used as an indicator of overall water-system sanitation. Coliforms themselves are usually harmless, but their presence signals that disease-causing organisms could enter the system.
- **6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)** — 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, a PFAS-related compound. Monitored under EPA rules as part of broad PFAS surveillance.
- **Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid** — Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Has no standalone limit but is part of the EPA PFAS Hazard Index that limits PFAS in combination.
- **Perfluorohexanoic acid** — Perfluorohexanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent and widely detected.
- **Perfluoropentanoic acid** — Perfluoropentanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent in the environment.
- **PFBA** — Perfluorobutanoic acid, a shorter-chain PFAS 'forever chemical.' Monitored under EPA rules; persistent in the environment and the human body.
- **PFOA** — Perfluorooctanoic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical' once used in nonstick and stain-resistant products. Linked to cancer, liver damage, and immune effects; the EPA set an enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion.
- **PFOS** — Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, a PFAS 'forever chemical' once used in firefighting foam and coatings. Linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune effects; the EPA set an enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion.
- **Alkalinity** — A measure of the water's capacity to neutralize acids. Not federally regulated for health; relevant to corrosion control and treatment.
- **Hardness** — A measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. Not federally regulated for health; affects scaling, soap use, and taste.
- **pH** — A measure of how acidic or basic the water is. Regulated only as a secondary standard; very low or high pH can corrode pipes or affect taste.
- **Specific Conductance** — A measure of how well water conducts electricity, which tracks dissolved mineral content. Not federally regulated for health; used as a proxy for total dissolved solids.
- **Temperature** — The measured temperature of the water sample. Not regulated for health; warmer water can affect disinfection and microbial growth.
- **TOC** — Total organic carbon — a measure of organic material dissolved in the water. Not harmful itself, but it is the raw material that forms disinfection byproducts; removal is a treatment requirement.
- **Total Dissolved Solids** — Total dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels affect taste and hardness.
- **Turbidity** — A measure of cloudiness from suspended particles in the water. High turbidity can shelter microbes from disinfection; the EPA enforces it through a treatment-technique standard.
- **Combined Radium** — Combined radium-226 and radium-228 — naturally occurring radioactive elements. Long-term exposure above the federal limit increases the risk of bone cancer.
- **Gross Alpha** — Gross alpha particle activity — a combined measure of alpha-emitting radioactive substances. Long-term exposure above the federal limit increases cancer risk.
- **Atrazine** — A widely used agricultural herbicide that reaches water through runoff. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can affect the cardiovascular and reproductive systems.
- **DBCP** — 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane — a banned soil fumigant pesticide. A probable human carcinogen; long-term exposure above the federal limit can cause reproductive harm.
- **Tetrachloroethylene** — An industrial solvent (PCE) used in dry cleaning and degreasing. A likely human carcinogen; long-term exposure above the federal limit can damage the liver and kidneys.
- **Trichloroethylene** — An industrial solvent (TCE) used in metal degreasing. A known human carcinogen; long-term exposure above the federal limit can damage the liver.
- **Xylenes** — A group of industrial solvents found in gasoline and paint. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can damage the nervous system.

## How to read this

- A water-quality report covers an entire service area, not a single address.
- 'Federal limit' is the EPA standard (MCL, action level, treatment technique, etc.) that the measured level is compared against.
- 'At or above the federal limit' means the utility's own reported figure met or exceeded that standard.

_Figures are the utility's own published numbers. Generated 2026-05-21 from thewatermap.com._