B76/100
Huntsville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 381,258 residents · Alabama
What's In Huntsville's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
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 2020.
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
MADISON COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
119,100
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
AL0000888
HUNTSVILLE UTILITIES
Population Served
262,158
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
AL0000882
Frequently Asked Questions About Huntsville Water
Is Huntsville tap water safe to drink?
Huntsville, Alabama tap water receives a grade of B (76/100), which is considered good. Out of 76 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 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 Huntsville's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Huntsville's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Huntsville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Huntsville has 31 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Huntsville?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Huntsville is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Huntsville's tap water come from?
Huntsville's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by MADISON COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 381,258 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Huntsville'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. Huntsville'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 Huntsville's water compare to other cities in Alabama?
Huntsville's water quality score of 76/100 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 Huntsville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Huntsville'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 (MADISON COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.