Is Gadsden, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Gadsden tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 4 of 4 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFBS. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Gadsden Get Its Water?
Water in Gadsden, AL is provided by 6 public water systems: GADSDEN WATER WORKS AND SEWER BOARD, FORDS VALLEY & HWY 278 WATER, GLENCOE WATER WORKS BOARD, HIGHLAND WATER AUTHORITY, HOKES BLUFF WATER BOARD and NORTHEAST ETOWAH COUNTY WATER CO-OP.
How Is Gadsden Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine and chloramines. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration, ion exchange and slow sand filtration.
What's in Gadsden Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Gadsden public water systems. 4 of 4 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBS | 0.1554 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 4 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFPeA | 0.0565 µg/L | — | 3 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFHxA | 0.0349 µg/L | — | 3 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFOS | 0.0324 µg/L | — | 3 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Gadsden
Based on EPA monitoring data, 4 of 4 ZIP codes in Gadsden have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Filters for PFAS Water Profile
PFAS compounds are detected in this water supply. A reverse osmosis (RO) system or an activated-carbon filter specifically certified under NSF/ANSI P473 is required for reliable PFAS reduction. Standard pitcher and faucet filters without P473 certification do not remove PFAS.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gadsden Tap Water
Is Gadsden tap water safe to drink?
Gadsden tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 4 of 4 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Gadsden tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Gadsden water systems include: PFBS, lithium, PFPeA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Gadsden get its drinking water?
Gadsden receives water from 6 public water systems, including GADSDEN WATER WORKS AND SEWER BOARD.
Do I need a water filter in Gadsden?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Gadsden tap water tested?
Public water systems in Gadsden are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-11-03.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Gadsden
- 35901 - Turkeytown CCD, Gadsden tap water report Higher concern
- 35902 - Gadsden tap water report Higher concern
- 35903 - Hokes Bluff CCD, Gadsden tap water report Higher concern
- 35904 - Lookout Mountain, Gadsden tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Gadsden, AL
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- GADSDEN WATER WORKS AND SEWER BOARDAction advised
- HIGHLAND WATER AUTHORITYAction advised
- HOKES BLUFF WATER BOARDAction advised
- NORTHEAST ETOWAH COUNTY WATER CO-OPAction advised
- WHORTON BEND WATER AUTHORITYAction advised
- TILLISON BEND WATER AUTHORITYSome concern
Also covers / overlaps with
- Gadsden CCD, AL · Township
- Lookout Mountain CCD, AL · Township
- Ballplay, AL · CDP
- Centre CCD, AL · Township
- Coats Bend, AL · CDP
- Glencoe, AL
- Hokes Bluff, AL
- Hokes Bluff CCD, AL · Township
- Lookout Mountain, AL · CDP
- Tidmore Bend, AL · CDP
- Turkeytown CCD, AL · Township