State Well Water Guide
Alabama Private Well Water Guide
About 36% of Alabama residents — over 1.7 million people — rely on private wells, one of the highest rates in the Southeast. Alabama's karst limestone geology in the northern part of the state makes groundwater highly vulnerable to contamination from surface sources, as water moves quickly through sinkholes and underground channels with minimal natural filtration. Primary concerns include bacterial contamination, nitrates from agriculture and failing septic systems, iron and manganese staining, and localized PFAS plumes near industrial and military sites.
Testing Guidance
The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends testing private wells annually for bacteria and nitrates. In karst areas (Colbert, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, and Morgan counties), post-rainfall bacterial testing is especially important given how rapidly surface water enters the aquifer. Iron and manganese testing is worthwhile across the state due to common aesthetic problems. PFAS testing is recommended for wells near Anniston (Monsanto Superfund site), Redstone Arsenal, Maxwell AFB, and Craig AFB.
What to Test For in Alabama
Total coliform bacteria and E. coli — annual minimum for all wells
Nitrates — annual for wells near cropland, poultry farms, or septic systems
Iron and manganese — widespread; causes staining and taste issues
PFAS — wells near Redstone Arsenal, Maxwell AFB, Craig AFB, and the Anniston PCB Superfund area
pH and hardness — baseline chemistry for all new wells
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — near industrial sites in Jefferson and Mobile counties
Common Contamination Risks in Alabama
Bacterial contamination through karst pathways — northern Alabama's limestone geology allows rapid surface water infiltration
Nitrate runoff from row crops and poultry operations — particularly in the Tennessee Valley and Black Belt regions
Iron and manganese — naturally elevated across much of the state, causing red and black staining
PFAS contamination near Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville and legacy industrial sites in Anniston
Failing septic systems — Alabama has one of the highest rates of inadequate wastewater infrastructure in the nation
Contaminant Guides Relevant to AL Wells
PFAS
Synthetic Chemicals
EPA limit: 4 ppt
Lead
Heavy Metals
EPA limit: 15 ppb (action level)
Nitrates
Agricultural Chemicals
EPA limit: 10 mg/L
DBPs
Disinfection Byproducts
EPA limit: 80 µg/L (TTHMs) / 60 µg/L (HAA5)
Arsenic
Heavy Metals
EPA limit: 10 ppb
Hard Water
Minerals
EPA limit: No federal limit
Chlorine
Disinfection Chemicals
EPA limit: 4 mg/L (MRDL)
Microplastics
Emerging Contaminants
EPA limit: No federal limit
Bacteria
Microbial Contamination
EPA limit: Zero E. coli / < 1 coliform per 100 mL
Fluoride
Minerals
EPA limit: 4 mg/L (MCL) / 2 mg/L (Secondary MCL)
Chromium-6
Heavy Metals
EPA limit: 100 ppb (total chromium)
Copper
Heavy Metals
EPA limit: 1.3 mg/L (action level)
Radon
Radioactive Contaminants
EPA limit: No finalized MCL
Iron & Manganese
Minerals
EPA limit: 0.3 mg/L iron / 0.05 mg/L manganese (aesthetic SMCLs)
Atrazine
Agricultural Chemicals
EPA limit: 3 ppb (0.003 mg/L)
Uranium
Radioactive Contaminants
EPA limit: 30 µg/L (30 ppb)
Perchlorate
Industrial Chemicals
EPA limit: 0.056 mg/L (56 ppb)
VOCs
Industrial Chemicals
EPA limit: Varies by compound: benzene 5 ppb; TCE 5 ppb; PCE 5 ppb; vinyl chloride 2 ppb
Radium
Radioactive Contaminants
EPA limit: 5 pCi/L (combined Ra-226 + Ra-228)
Crypto & Giardia
Microbial Contamination
EPA limit: Zero (treatment technique standard)
Hydrogen Sulfide
Naturally Occurring Compounds
EPA limit: No MCL; Secondary MCL (aesthetic) of 0.05 mg/L
Selenium
Minerals
EPA limit: 50 ppb (0.05 mg/L)
Cadmium
Heavy Metals
EPA limit: 5 ppb (0.005 mg/L)
Mercury
Heavy Metals
EPA limit: 2 ppb (0.002 mg/L)
Barium
Heavy Metals
EPA limit: 2 mg/L
pH
Water Quality Indicators
EPA limit: 6.5–8.5 (secondary standard)
Find a Certified Lab in Alabama
Use the Alabama state-certified laboratory program to find accredited labs for private well testing. Always verify current certification before submitting samples.
AL Certified Lab Directory ↗Alabama Well Water FAQs
Related Pages
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
Quick Reference
State program
AL Certified Labs ↗EPA guidance
EPA Private Wells Program ↗State lab directory
AL Certified Labs ↗Minimum Annual Tests
Plus state-specific contaminants listed above
Other State Guides