B71/100

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

Serving 25,986 residents · Alabama

What's In Selma's Tap Water?

66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

7

Violations (last 5yr)

5

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

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

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

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

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

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

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

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

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

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

When: January 1, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 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 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 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

DALLAS COUNTY WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY
Population Served

4,152

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

AL0000463

SELMA, THE WW AND SB OF THE CITY OF
Population Served

21,834

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

AL0000490

Frequently Asked Questions About Selma Water

Is Selma tap water safe to drink?

Selma, Alabama tap water receives a grade of B (71/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 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 Selma's water?

Of the 69 contaminants tested in Selma's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Selma have any water quality violations?

Yes, Selma has 31 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, MCL. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Selma?

Selma 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Selma's tap water come from?

Selma's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by DALLAS COUNTY WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 25,986 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

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

Selma's water quality score of 71/100 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 Selma's water quality?

If you have concerns about Selma'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 (DALLAS COUNTY WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY) 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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