ZipCheckup grade for 35209: B.
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Birmingham, AL (35209): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 74/100
EPA data for Central Alabama Water System
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 35209 in Birmingham, AL contain 3 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 0 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 3 violations (non-health) (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0018 mg/L is below the EPA action level for water systems; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling; see the PFAS section for each compound, compared with the federal PFAS MCL where one exists.
- Radon EPA Zone 2 - county-level radon potential, not a home measurement.
- Flood 124 cumulative NFIP claim records. This historical count is not a current property-risk verdict.
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Safety datasets compiled for 35209 in Birmingham return 1 finding at the high-priority level - each is backed by source data and classification criteria, and the critical tier of the same record shows no entries.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 74/100
This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (7) HIGH
Your Water System
ZIP code 35209 in Birmingham, Alabama is mapped to the water system Central Alabama Water System (EPA ID: AL0000738). This system provides water to approximately 585,000 people from surface water sources.
Other Water Quality Reports in Alabama
- 35004 (Moody) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35005 (Adamsville) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35006 (Adger)
- 35007 (Alabaster) - 35 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35010 (Alexander City) - 11 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35011 (Alexander City)
- 35013 (Allgood)
- 35014 (Alpine) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35015 (Alton)
- 35016 (Arab) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35019 (Baileyton) - 8 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35020 (Bessemer) - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35021 (Bessemer)
- 35022 (Bessemer) - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35023 (Bessemer) - 12 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35031 (Blountsville) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35032 (Bon Air)
- 35033 (Bremen)
- 35034 (Brent) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 35035 (Brierfield) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 35229 (Birmingham) - 1 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35205 (Birmingham) - 2 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35233 (Birmingham) - 3 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35299 (Birmingham) - 3 mi
- 35211 (Birmingham) - 3 mi - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35216 (Birmingham) - 3 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35243 (Birmingham) - 4 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 35270 (Birmingham) - 4 mi
- 35201 (Birmingham) - 4 mi
- 35202 (Birmingham) - 4 mi
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Central Alabama Water System (AL0000738) on EPA.gov.
3 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 35209.
Detected compounds: PFPeA, PFHxA, PFBS, PFBA, 6:2 FTS.
Highest measured level: 0.0113 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) HIGH
Home & Infrastructure (6) MODERATE
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Birmingham
Based on local data for ZIP 35209, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Birmingham has 124 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Gutter Installation & Repair
The median home in 35209 was built around 1974. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.
Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsWindow Replacement
The median build year of homes in Birmingham is 1974; check the age and condition of your own windows. ENERGY STAR windows can save $101–$583/year on energy bills.
Typical cost: Window replacement: typically $300–$800 per window installed
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsRoofing Inspection & Repair
Homes built around 1974 may be on their second or third roof. A professional inspection can catch damage before leaks start.
Typical cost: Roof inspection: typically $75–$300; repairs $300–$1,500
Estimate Your Home Insurance NeedsService recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 35209 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 3 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 35209 (primary system: Central Alabama Water System), including 0 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 35209's water come from?
The recorded water source for Central Alabama Water System, a system mapped to ZIP code 35209, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 585,000 people.
How does Birmingham water compare to the national average?
Birmingham's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 51% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 55% of ZIP codes within Alabama.
How can I get my water tested in Birmingham?
If Central Alabama Water System supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
Is lead a concern in 35209 tap water?
The Lead and Copper Rule record selected for 35209 reports a 90th-percentile lead result of 0.001764 mg/L for a water system mapped to this ZIP (record date 2023-12-31). The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L. This result is below the EPA action level; it does not show the lead level in each home.
What is the radon risk for 35209?
35209 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 2 (moderate county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Jefferson County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 35209's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 35209. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 35209?
FEMA records contain 124 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 35209; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is X, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. This is a substantial claim history, but claim count is not a count of distinct events or properties. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Birmingham, AL (35209): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 74/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/35209/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-35209,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Birmingham, AL (35209): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 74/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/35209/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 35209
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35229 | Birmingham, AL | 1.0 mi | N/A | 3 |
| 35205 | Birmingham, AL | 2.1 mi | B | 3 |
| 35233 | Birmingham, AL | 2.9 mi | B | 3 |
| 35299 | Birmingham, AL | 3.1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 35211 | Birmingham, AL | 3.1 mi | B | 7 |
| 35216 | Birmingham, AL | 3.4 mi | B | 3 |
| 35243 | Birmingham, AL | 3.6 mi | B | 3 |
| 35270 | Birmingham, AL | 3.8 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 35201 | Birmingham, AL | 3.8 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 35202 | Birmingham, AL | 3.8 mi | N/A | 0 |
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