Monitoring Issues SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

PFAS Detected in Birmingham School District (AL)

63 ZIP codes · 9 water systems · 36,855,000 people served · Updated 2026-06-04

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-04

B · 78
Avg Safety Score
63
ZIP Codes
9
Water Systems
126
Violations (5yr)
0.0018 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
29
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 2
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Birmingham School District in Alabama spans 63 ZIP codes served by 9 community water systems, providing water to approximately 36,855,000 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is B (78/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 66/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 70% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure — Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") — Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate — Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts — Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0018 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0018 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 63 —

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 29 of 63 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

Detected compounds: PFPeA, PFHxA, PFBS, PFBA, 6:2 FTS, PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, PFHpA.

Highest measured level: 0.1135 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

126 monitoring/reporting violations recorded. These are procedural violations (missed tests or late reports), not necessarily water safety issues.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Chlorite Disinfection Byproducts 63 No 63
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 63 No 63

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
35201 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35202 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35203 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35204 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35205 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35206 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35207 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35208 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35209 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35210 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35211 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35212 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35213 Birmingham C (66) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35214 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35215 Birmingham C (66) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35216 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35217 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35218 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35219 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35220 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35221 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35222 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35223 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35224 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35226 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35228 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35229 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35231 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35232 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35233 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35234 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35235 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35236 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35237 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35238 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35242 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35243 Birmingham B (71) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35244 Birmingham B (76) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35246 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35249 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35253 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35254 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35255 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35259 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35260 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35261 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35266 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35270 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35282 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35283 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35285 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35287 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35288 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35290 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35291 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35292 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35293 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35294 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35295 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35296 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35297 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35298 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No
35299 Birmingham B (81) 2 0 0.001764 mg/L No

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school — The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS — If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home — If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed — Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Birmingham School District schools?

Based on EPA data, water systems serving Birmingham School District have no health-based violations in the past 5 years. However, school buildings with older plumbing may still have localized issues. Testing at the tap (not just at the treatment plant) is important.

Does Birmingham School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Birmingham School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 29 of 63 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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