TapSafetyReport
D35/100

Phenix City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 59,190 residents · Alabama

What's In Phenix City's Tap Water?

69
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOA
0.007 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
PFOS
0.007 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
chlorate
760.00 µg/L—Above Goal

EPA Violation History

7

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2023 – October 12, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2023 – May 11, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – March 14, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – December 16, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – March 8, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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

PHENIX CITY UTILITIES
Population Served

42,267

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

AL0001142

RUSSELL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
Population Served

16,923

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

AL0001145

Frequently Asked Questions About Phenix City Water

Is Phenix City tap water safe to drink?

Phenix City, Alabama tap water receives a grade of D (35/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 104 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Phenix City's water?

Of the 69 contaminants tested in Phenix City's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Phenix City have any water quality violations?

Yes, Phenix City has 104 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, RPT, TT. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Phenix City?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Phenix City is recommended. 2 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 Phenix City's tap water come from?

Phenix City's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by PHENIX CITY UTILITIES and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 59,190 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Phenix City'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. Phenix City'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 Phenix City's water compare to other cities in Alabama?

Phenix City's water quality score of 35/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Alabama state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Phenix City's water quality?

If you have concerns about Phenix City'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 (PHENIX CITY UTILITIES) 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.

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