June 14, 2026

Huntsville, AL Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 13 regulated contaminants in this water system: Lead, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) + 10 more.

Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.

Full contaminant breakdown

EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
LeadEPA health goal: zero 9.55 ppb 37 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 64%
Trichloroethylene (TCE)EPA health goal: zero 2.33 ppb 3.56 ppb 5 ppb 47%
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)EPA health goal: zero 2.13 ppb 9.4 ppb 5 ppb 43%
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 23.2 ppb 73.3 ppb 60 ppb 39%
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 27.3 ppb 90 ppb 80 ppb 34%
Fluoride 622 ppb 930 ppb 4000 ppb 16%
Gross alpha radioactivityEPA health goal: zero 1.75 pCi/L 4.1 pCi/L 15 pCi/L 12%
Nitrate 1250 ppb 3150 ppb 10000 ppb 12%
Carbon tetrachlorideEPA health goal: zero 0.54 ppb 0.54 ppb 5 ppb 11%
Nitrate + nitrite 980 ppb 2960 ppb 10000 ppb 10%
Copper 68.2 ppb 380 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 5%
Barium 26 ppb 26 ppb 2000 ppb 1%
Toluene 0.77 ppb 0.77 ppb 1000 ppb <1%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Antimony, Arsenic, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, Chromium (total), Cyanide, DBCP, DEHA (adipate), DEHP (phthalate), Dalapon, Dichloromethane, Dinoseb, Diquat, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Nitrite, Oxamyl, PCBs, Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Selenium, Simazine, Styrene, Thallium, Toxaphene, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Reverse osmosis (drinking water)

The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.

Shop reverse osmosis →

Whole-house carbon filtration

The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.

Shop whole-house systems →

Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.

Water Utility: Huntsville Utilities Water Dept.
Population Served: 310,107 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

Huntsville, Alabama drinking water is supplied by Huntsville Utilities Water Dept.. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Violation History

No health-based EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) violations on record since 2010 for this utility.

PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections

PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.

PFAS Compound Level Detected Solution
PFPeA 0.0043 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFHxA 0.0041 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFBA 0.0097 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFBS 0.0057 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFOA 0.0047 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFOS 0.0090 ug/L PFAS Filters

Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.

Should You Filter Your Huntsville Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your Huntsville Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems certified to reduce PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS. We ship to all Alabama addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop PFAS Water Filters →Take the Water Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Huntsville tap water safe to drink?

Huntsville Utilities Water Dept. is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does Huntsville water have PFAS?

PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.

What water filter works best for Huntsville?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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