ZIP 35023 · Alabama
Bessemer, AL
High Risk8 compounds detected
Above EPA drinking water limits
Above EPA Limits
3 compounds exceed EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels in water serving this ZIP code. Standard pitcher filters like Brita do not remove PFAS. See filter recommendations below.
Plain English
01What this means for you
One or more PFAS compounds were measured above the EPA's enforceable drinking water limit at a utility serving ZIP 35023. The EPA set these limits because long-term exposure at higher concentrations is associated with health effects including immune suppression, thyroid changes, and cancer risk increases. Standard pitcher filters (Brita, PUR) are not certified to remove PFAS. The most reliable at-home options are under-sink reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon block filters with an NSF/ANSI 58 certification specifically listing PFOA/PFOS reduction. Your water utility is required to bring levels into compliance by 2029 — filtering at the tap is the practical interim step if you'd like additional protection now.
What to do next
02Three concrete steps
- 01
Install a certified filter
A reverse osmosis or NSF/ANSI 58-certified carbon block at your kitchen tap is the most reliable solution. Standard pitcher filters (Brita, PUR) don't remove PFAS unless explicitly certified for it. See certified filter picks →
- 02
Read your utility's CCR
Your water utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report covering the previous year's water quality, including their PFAS treatment plan if any. More detailed than this site's summary. How to read a CCR →
- 03
Reduce other exposure routes
Water isn't the only input. Replace badly-scratched non-stick pans, skip microwave popcorn bags and greaseproof fast-food wrappers, and choose stainless or cast iron cookware. Full action plan on the FAQ →
Filter Recommendations
CheckPFAS earns a small commission on filter purchases at no cost to you. Ranked by performance, not commission. Affiliate disclosure.
02BESSEMER WATER SERVICE
High RiskPWSID · AL0000737
PFAS test results
| Compound | Detected | vs. EPA Limit | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PFOS Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid | 5.90ppt | 148% of limit
| 4 ppt | Exceeds MCL |
lithium | 11400.00ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFPeA Perfluoropentanoic acid | 7.70ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFBA Perfluorobutanoic acid | 6.00ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid | 5.70ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFBS Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid | 3.60ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
03BIRMINGHAM WATER WORKS BOARD
ModeratePWSID · AL0000738
PFAS test results
| Compound | Detected | vs. EPA Limit | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PFPeA Perfluoropentanoic acid | 11.30ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid | 8.50ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFBS Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid | 7.90ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFBA Perfluorobutanoic acid | 6.10ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
6:2 FTS 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid | 5.80ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
04WARRIOR RIVER WATER AUTHORITY
High RiskPWSID · AL0000763
PFAS test results
| Compound | Detected | vs. EPA Limit | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PFOS Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid | 5.70ppt | 143% of limit
| 4 ppt | Exceeds MCL |
PFOA Perfluorooctanoic acid | 4.20ppt | 105% of limit
| 4 ppt | Exceeds MCL |
lithium | 12700.00ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFPeA Perfluoropentanoic acid | 6.00ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid | 4.70ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
PFBS Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid | 3.00ppt | No federal limit | — | Unregulated |
Note: ZIP code 35023 is served by 3 separate water utilities. Results above show data for each system independently.
Source & Methodology
About this data
Values shown are the highest single-sample concentration measured at entry points to the distribution system. Results reflect water quality at the treatment plant — aging pipes, building plumbing, and on-site storage can affect what actually reaches your tap. "Not detected" means below the MRL, not literally zero.
View raw EPA UCMR 5 occurrence data →Related
More resources for your area
- 01 →
How to read your utility's CCR
Decode your annual Consumer Confidence Report
- 02 →
On a private well?
PFAS testing guide for well owners — EPA rules don't apply
- 03 →
All water systems in Alabama
Compare utilities statewide
- 04 →
Which filter removes PFAS?
Compare every method by removal rate & NSF certification
- 05 →
PFAS health effects
What the science shows, condition by condition
- 06 →
PFAS compound guide
Health effects & EPA limits for each compound