June 14, 2026

Auburn, AL Water Quality Report 2026

By PureWaterGuys

EPA compliance testing (2012–2019) detected 13 regulated contaminants in this water system: Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), Haloacetic acids (HAA5), DEHP (phthalate) + 10 more.

Unlock the full breakdown — detected levels vs. legal limits, plus what removes each one.

Full contaminant breakdown

EPA Six-Year Review compliance monitoring, 2012–2019 — the most recent national compliance dataset EPA has published. See the sections above for more recent violation and PFAS records.

ContaminantAvg. detectedHighest sampleFederal limitAvg. vs. limit
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 52.5 ppb 124 ppb 80 ppb 66%
Haloacetic acids (HAA5) 35.9 ppb 79.7 ppb 60 ppb 60%
DEHP (phthalate)EPA health goal: zero 1.4 ppb 2.16 ppb 6 ppb 23%
Fluoride 564 ppb 1150 ppb 4000 ppb 14%
Antimony 0.42 ppb 0.42 ppb 6 ppb 7%
Copper 82.9 ppb 265 ppb 1300 ppb (action level) 6%
ArsenicEPA health goal: zero 0.42 ppb 0.67 ppb 10 ppb 4%
Nitrate 392 ppb 634 ppb 10000 ppb 4%
LeadEPA health goal: zero 0.457 ppb 1.8 ppb 15 ppb (action level) 3%
Nitrate + nitrite 274 ppb 623 ppb 10000 ppb 3%
Selenium 0.78 ppb 0.78 ppb 50 ppb 2%
Barium 20.9 ppb 27.2 ppb 2000 ppb 1%
Nitrite 10 ppb 10 ppb 1000 ppb 1%

Also tested, no detections: 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, Alachlor, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Beryllium, Cadmium, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, Chlorobenzene, Chromium (total), Cyanide, DBCP, DEHA (adipate), Dalapon, Dichloromethane, Dinoseb, Diquat, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide (EDB), Glyphosate, Gross alpha radioactivity, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Lindane, Mercury (inorganic), Methoxychlor, Oxamyl, PCBs, Pentachlorophenol, Picloram, Simazine, Styrene, Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.

Reverse osmosis (drinking water)

The treatment category most often matched to dissolved contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, and radiological contaminants detected in this system.

Shop reverse osmosis →

Whole-house carbon filtration

The treatment category most often matched to disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, haloacetic acids), chlorine taste and odor, and organic compounds detected in this system.

Shop whole-house systems →

Source: U.S. EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance monitoring data (2012–2019), the most recent nationwide compliance dataset EPA has released, reported at the water-system level. A detection is not a violation. “Avg. vs. limit” compares the average of laboratory detections to the federal MCL or action level; individual faucets can differ — household plumbing affects lead and copper, and a state-certified laboratory test of your own tap is the only way to confirm levels in your home. Treatment categories are general matches, not a certification claim for a specific product and contaminant.

Water Utility: Auburn Water Works
Population Served: 65,313 residents
Data Sources: EPA SDWIS + EPA UCMR5
Report Year: 2026

Auburn, Alabama drinking water is supplied by Auburn Water Works. All US public water systems must test drinking water and report results to the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This report summarizes health-based violations and PFAS detections recorded in federal databases to help you make informed decisions about home water filtration.

EPA Health-Based Violation History

The following contaminants exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) at this utility since 2010:

Contaminant Violation Years Filter Solution
Tthm 2014 Water Filters

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), updated quarterly. Health-based violations only.

PFAS "Forever Chemical" Detections

PFAS compounds were detected in this water system during EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) testing program (2023-2025). EPA has set maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS individually.

PFAS Compound Level Detected Solution
PFHpA 0.0030 ug/L PFAS Filters
PFOA 0.0120 ug/L PFAS Filters

Source: EPA UCMR5 occurrence data. Levels in micrograms per liter (ug/L = parts per billion). 1 ug/L = 1,000 ppt.

Should You Filter Your Auburn Water?

Even utilities with no EPA violations may have contaminants present below legal limits but above health guidelines. The EPA sets maximum contaminant levels based on what is feasible and affordable to treat at scale -- not necessarily what carries zero health risk. Many independent health organizations recommend filtration for households with children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals regardless of utility compliance status.

Protect Your Auburn Home Water

PureWaterGuys.com carries filtration systems certified to reduce PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS. We ship to all Alabama addresses with free expert guidance on the right system.

Shop PFAS Water Filters →Take the Water Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn tap water safe to drink?

Auburn Water Works is required to meet EPA federal drinking water standards. However, meeting legal standards is not the same as being contaminant-free. Trace levels of disinfection byproducts, PFAS compounds, and other regulated contaminants are common in US municipal water systems.

Does Auburn water have PFAS?

PFAS compounds were detected in this utility's water during EPA UCMR5 monitoring. A certified PFAS filter -- such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon block -- can significantly reduce these compounds at your tap.

What water filter works best for Auburn?

A whole-house carbon block filter removes chlorine, chloramines, and many VOCs. For PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates, a reverse osmosis under-sink system provides the highest reduction rates. Take our free 2-minute quiz to find the right system for your home and budget.

Data sourced from EPA SDWIS and UCMR5 federal databases. PureWaterGuys.com is not affiliated with any municipal water utility. Contact your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for complete local data.

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