Is Birmingham Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Birmingham, Alabama, is generally safe to drink. Birmingham Water Works Board treats and tests the water to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Alabama Department of Environmental Management standards.
Water quality can be affected by temporary advisories, service-line work, or plumbing inside older buildings. Follow any boil-water notice issued for your address, and use a certified filter if you are concerned about lead from household plumbing.
Last checked: 2026-08-04
United States is ranked as number 15 globally with a score of 96.2% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Birmingham, United States
Birmingham, Alabama’s tap water comes primarily from surface-water sources: Lake Purdy, Inland Lake, and the Cahaba River. These reservoirs and river waters are located in protected watersheds around the Birmingham area.
The Birmingham Water Works Board treats the water at its filtration plants before sending it through the distribution system. Treatment includes filtration and disinfection to meet federal and Alabama drinking-water standards.
Birmingham Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Birmingham, Alabama, are generally safe to use when they are connected to the municipal water system and properly maintained. The city’s public water supply is treated and regulated to meet federal and Alabama drinking water standards.
Avoid fountains that are visibly dirty, damaged, leaking, or unused for long periods. Let the water run briefly before drinking, and use bottled water if the fountain has an unusual odor, color, or taste.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Birmingham. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.
About the Author
Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.