Alabama Water Quality Rankings 2026

All 25 cities ranked by water quality score

State Average83/100

Cities Ranked

Prichard

Best City (96/100)

Florence

Lowest Score (68/100)

84%

Above National Avg

Grade Distribution

How Alabama's 25 cities are distributed by water quality grade

A Range

44% of cities

B Range

52% of cities

C Range

4% of cities

0% of cities

Cities with good water quality (B or better)84%

21 out of 25 cities meet or exceed a B grade for water quality

All 25 Alabama Cities Ranked

Sorted by water quality score from best to worst. Click any city for a detailed water quality report.

Rank	City	Score	Grade	Population	Top Concern
1	Prichard	96/100	A+	19,322	None identified
2	Enterprise	95/100	A+	28,711	None identified
3	Montgomery	95/100	A+	200,603	None identified
#4	Anniston	94/100	A	21,564	None identified
#5	Tuscaloosa	93/100	A	99,543	None identified
#6	Decatur	88/100	A-	55,816	None identified
#7	Alabaster	86/100	A-	33,487	None identified
#8	Northport	86/100	A-	26,201	None identified
#9	Dothan	85/100	A-	71,072	None identified
#10	Homewood	85/100	A-	25,170	None identified
#11	Opelika	85/100	A-	30,995	None identified
#12	Auburn	84/100	B+	76,143	None identified
#13	Mobile	83/100	B+	187,041	None identified
#14	Athens	81/100	B+	25,406	None identified
#15	Birmingham	81/100	B+	200,775	None identified
#16	Huntsville	81/100	B+	215,006	None identified
#17	Madison	81/100	B+	56,933	None identified
#18	Daphne	80/100	B+	28,633	None identified
#19	Prattville	80/100	B+	36,599	None identified
#20	Vestavia Hills	79/100	B	39,102	None identified
#21	Bessemer	78/100	B	26,019	None identified
#22	Phenix City	72/100	B-	38,817	None identified
#23	Gadsden	70/100	B-	33,945	None identified
#24	Hoover	70/100	B-	92,606	None identified
#25	Florence	68/100	C+	40,797	None identified

Key Findings

The best water quality in Alabama is found in Prichard with a score of 96/100 and a grade of A+. This puts Prichard among the top-performing cities in the country for drinking water safety.

The most concerning water quality is in Florence scoring 68/100 with a grade of C+. Residents may want to consider home water testing and filtration options.

The statewide average score is 83/100, which is 11 points above the national average of 72/100. A strong majority (84%) of Alabama cities exceed the national average, indicating generally good water infrastructure across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in Alabama has the best water quality?

Prichard has the best water quality in Alabama with a score of 96/100 and a grade of A+. This score is based on contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and infrastructure quality. Prichard ranks among the top cities nationally for water quality.

Is Alabama tap water safe to drink?

Water quality varies across Alabama. The state average score is 83/100. 84% of Alabama cities have good water quality (grade B or better). All cities in Alabama maintain at least a C-grade, though individual results can vary by neighborhood and home plumbing. Always check your specific city's water quality report for the most accurate local information.

How many Alabama cities have water quality concerns?

Of the 25 cities tracked in Alabama, 0 cities have a D or F grade, indicating significant water quality concerns. An additional 1 city falls in the C range, suggesting moderate issues. 21 out of 25 cities (84%) score above the national average of 72/100. Residents concerned about their water quality can check their city's detailed report for specific contaminant information.