Is Opelika, AL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Opelika tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 2 of 4 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFOA. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Opelika Get Its Water?
Water in Opelika, AL is provided by 6 public water systems: OPELIKA UTILITIES, BEAUREGARD WATER AUTHORITY, MACON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY, RUSSELL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY, SMITHS WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY and BEULAH UTILITIES DISTRICT.
How Is Opelika Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using chloramines and on-site generated disinfectant. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), groundwater disinfection, membrane filtration and slow sand filtration.
What's in Opelika Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Opelika public water systems. 2 of 4 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 0.011 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 6:2 FTS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Opelika
Based on EPA monitoring data, 2 of 4 ZIP codes in Opelika 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 Opelika Tap Water
Is Opelika tap water safe to drink?
Opelika tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 2 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 Opelika tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Opelika water systems include: PFOA, PFTrDA, lithium. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Opelika get its drinking water?
Opelika receives water from 6 public water systems, including OPELIKA UTILITIES.
Do I need a water filter in Opelika?
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 Opelika tap water tested?
Public water systems in Opelika 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 2025-06-16.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Opelika
- 36801 - Collingwood, Opelika tap water report Higher concern
- 36802 - Opelika tap water report Some concern
- 36803 - Opelika tap water report Some concern
- 36804 - Beauregard-Marvyn CCD, Opelika tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Opelika, 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.
- OPELIKA UTILITIESAction advised
- RUSSELL COUNTY WATER AUTHORITYAction advised
- SMITHS WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITYAction advised
- BEAUREGARD WATER AUTHORITYLooks OK
- MACON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITYLooks OK
Also covers / overlaps with
- Auburn-Opelika CCD, AL · Township
- Beauregard-Marvyn CCD, AL · Township
- Beulah CCD, AL · Township
- Crawford CCD, AL · Township
- Little Texas-Society Hill CCD, AL · Township
- Loachapoka-Roxana CCD, AL · Township
- Valley CCD, AL · Township
- Waverly CCD, AL · Township