County-by-county water quality data — hardness levels, contaminants, and the exact systems that fix them. Updated with latest EPA and utility reports.
The Big Picture
North Alabama sits on a limestone plateau — which is beautiful, but it means nearly every water source picks up massive amounts of calcium and magnesium as it travels underground.
The Tennessee River watershed that supplies much of the region's municipal water is also subject to agricultural and industrial runoff. Add in Huntsville Utilities' switch to chloramine disinfection and the legacy PFAS contamination near Redstone Arsenal, and you have some of the most complex residential water quality challenges in the Southeast.
⚠️ Well Water Owners: If your home uses a private well, your water is entirely unregulated and untreated. Iron levels above 3 mg/L, bacterial contamination, and naturally occurring radium are all documented in North Alabama well water. Get your well tested at least annually.
🔴 PFAS Alert: Homes within 5 miles of Redstone Arsenal (south Madison County) and near certain industrial sites have tested positive for elevated PFAS levels. If you're in this zone, a certified RO system is strongly recommended.
| Contaminant | City Water | Well Water | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness Calcium & Magnesium |
Very High | Very High | Softener |
| Chloramine | Moderate | None | Carbon Filter |
| PFAS | Trace–Low | Low–High* | RO System |
| Iron | Low | High | Iron Filter |
| Bacteria/Coliform | Treated | Common | UV System |
| Sediment/Turbidity | Low | Moderate | Sediment Filter |
*Elevated near Redstone Arsenal and industrial sites
County-by-County Data
Click any county for detailed information, testing history, and specific system recommendations.
Huntsville, Madison, Harvest, Hazel Green
Athens, Ardmore, Lester, Elkmont
Decatur, Hartselle, Priceville, Trinity
Scottsboro, Stevenson, Bridgeport, Skyline
Guntersville, Albertville, Boaz, Arab
Fort Payne, Rainsville, Fyffe, Mentone
2026 Live Data
Select your city for a real-time report using the latest 2026 water quality data — including the February 2026 Sierra Club PFAS findings.
✔ Reviewed by a 19-Year Water Industry Veteran
Data: Sierra Club PFAS Report (Feb 19, 2026) · EPA ECHO Database · Huntsville Utilities CCR 2025 · ADEM Surface Water Quality Reports
Common Questions