B73/100
Helena Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 21,300 residents · Alabama
What's In Helena's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 640.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2003.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
HELENA, UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF
Population Served
21,300
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
AL0001157
Frequently Asked Questions About Helena Water
Is Helena tap water safe to drink?
Helena, Alabama tap water receives a grade of B (73/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Helena's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Helena's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Helena have any water quality violations?
Yes, Helena has 21 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2003. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Helena?
Helena water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Helena's tap water come from?
Helena's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by HELENA, UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF. The system serves approximately 21,300 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Helena's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Helena's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Helena's water compare to other cities in Alabama?
Helena's water quality score of 73/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Alabama state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Helena's water quality?
If you have concerns about Helena's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (HELENA, UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.