CheckPFAS

ZIP Code 36801

High Risk
High Risk PFAS Risk Level

PFAS above EPA limits detected

7 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.

17
PFAS Detected
7
Above EPA Limits
4
Water Systems
275%
Highest % of MCL

Compounds Exceeding EPA Limits

PFOA Exceeds EPA limit
0 ppt MCL: 4 ppt 220% of limit
Detected: 8.80 ppt
PFOS Exceeds EPA limit
0 ppt MCL: 4 ppt 155% of limit
Detected: 6.20 ppt

What this means for you

One or more PFAS compounds were measured above the EPA's enforceable drinking water limit at a utility serving ZIP 36801. 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.

BEULAH UTILITIES DISTRICT

AL0000180 High Risk
Water Type
Surface Water
PFAS Detected
6
Above MCL
2
State
Alabama
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
8.80ppt
220% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
6.20ppt
155% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFBA
Perfluorobutanoic acid
7.70pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
5.10pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
4.50pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFBS
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid
3.20pptNo federal limitUnregulated

OPELIKA UTILITIES

AL0000816 High Risk
Water Type
Surface Water
PFAS Detected
4
Above MCL
2
State
Alabama
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
11.00ppt
275% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
6.40ppt
160% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
6.40pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
5.60pptNo federal limitUnregulated

SMITHS WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY

AL0000820 High Risk
Water Type
Surface Water
PFAS Detected
5
Above MCL
2
State
Alabama
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFOS
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
6.30ppt
158% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
5.90ppt
148% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
6.20pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFHxA
Perfluorohexanoic acid
5.70pptNo federal limitUnregulated
PFBS
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid
4.40pptNo federal limitUnregulated

MACON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

AL0000867 High Risk
Water Type
Surface Water
PFAS Detected
2
Above MCL
1
State
Alabama
Data Period
2023–2025

PFAS Test Results

CompoundDetectedvs. EPA LimitEPA LimitStatus
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
4.80ppt
120% of limit
4 ppt⚠ Exceeds MCL
PFPeA
Perfluoropentanoic acid
3.20pptNo federal limitUnregulated
Note: ZIP code 36801 is served by 4 separate water utilities. Results above show data for each system independently.
About this data
Source
EPA UCMR 5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle)
Data released
January 2026
Sampling period
January 2023 – December 2025
Systems tested
~10,000 public water systems serving > 25 people
Water systems (PWSID)
AL0000180, AL0000816, AL0000820, AL0000867
Detection threshold (MRL)
~1.5–2 ppt — "Not detected" means below this floor, not zero

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.