CheckPFAS

ZIP Code 35080

High Risk
High Risk PFAS Risk Level

PFAS above EPA limits detected

3 compounds exceed EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels in water serving this ZIP code. Standard pitcher filters like Brita do not remove PFAS. See filter recommendations below.

21
PFAS Detected
3
Above EPA Limits
3
Water Systems
525%
Highest % of MCL

Compounds Exceeding EPA Limits

PFOA Exceeds EPA limit
0 ppt MCL: 4 ppt 525% of limit
Detected: 21.00 ppt
PFOS Exceeds EPA limit
0 ppt MCL: 4 ppt 475% of limit
Detected: 19.00 ppt

What this means for you

One or more PFAS compounds were measured above the EPA's enforceable drinking water limit at a utility serving ZIP 35080. The EPA set these limits because long-term exposure at higher concentrations is associated with health effects including immune suppression, thyroid changes, and cancer risk increases. Standard pitcher filters (Brita, PUR) are not certified to remove PFAS. The most reliable at-home options are under-sink reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon block filters with an NSF/ANSI 58 certification specifically listing PFOA/PFOS reduction. Your water utility is required to bring levels into compliance by 2029 — filtering at the tap is the practical interim step if you'd like additional protection now.

BIRMINGHAM WATER WORKS BOARD

AL0000738 Moderate
Water Type
Surface Water
PFAS Detected
5
Above MCL
0
State
Alabama
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
11.30pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
8.50pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFBS
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid
7.90pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFBA
Perfluorobutanoic acid
6.10pptNo federal limitUnregulated
6:2 FTS
6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid
5.80pptNo federal limitUnregulated

ALABASTER WATER BOARD

AL0001148 High Risk
Water Type
GU
PFAS Detected
9
Above MCL
2
State
Alabama
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
21.00ppt
525% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
19.00ppt
475% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFHxS
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid
3.40ppt
34% of limit
10 pptBelow limit
lithium
12400.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFBS
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid
85.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
33.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
19.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFBA
Perfluorobutanoic acid
14.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
Show 1 more compound detected at low levels
PFHpAPerfluoroheptanoic acid6.50 pptNo federal limit

HELENA UTILITY BOARD

AL0001157 High Risk
Water Type
Groundwater
PFAS Detected
7
Above MCL
1
State
Alabama
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
7.00ppt
175% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
4.00ppt
100% of limit
4 pptBelow limit
PFHxS
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid
5.30ppt
53% of limit
10 pptBelow limit
lithium
9900.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFBS
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid
13.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
7.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
5.00pptNo federal limitUnregulated
Note: ZIP code 35080 is served by 3 separate water utilities. Results above show data for each system independently.
About this data
Source
EPA UCMR 5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle)
Data released
January 2026
Sampling period
January 2023 – December 2025
Systems tested
~10,000 public water systems serving > 25 people
Water systems (PWSID)
AL0000738, AL0001148, AL0001157
Detection threshold (MRL)
~1.5–2 ppt — "Not detected" means below this floor, not zero

Values shown are the highest single-sample concentration measured at entry points to the distribution system. Results reflect water quality at the treatment plant — aging pipes, building plumbing, and on-site storage can affect what actually reaches your tap.