35661
Muscle Shoals, AL
COLBERT COUNTY RURAL WATER SYSTEM

Is Muscle Shoals tap water safe to drink?

Higher concern
Last tested: May 2025
Action Advised
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data | Last tested May 2025

Can you drink the tap water in Muscle Shoals?

Muscle Shoals tap water has 21 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including PFOS at 7,4× the limit (tested May 2025). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

Recommended for Muscle Shoals tap water
Water filter for Muscle Shoals tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
Contaminants above EPA limits detected in Muscle Shoals. Fastest way to reduce exposure.
See certified filter on Amazon

The health risk for Muscle Shoals

PFAS ('forever chemicals') have been detected above EPA limits in this water system's most recent tests. These synthetic chemicals do not break down in the body and are linked to a range of health effects. A certified filter is strongly recommended.
  • PFBS, PFHpA, PFOA, PFOS above limit.
PFOS concentration (µg/L) May 2025
0 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 0.05 µg/L
0.029 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.004 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
637% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.004 µg/L | Your water: 0.029 µg/L
Certified Filters for Muscle Shoals Tap Water

PFOS (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.

Water filter recommendation for Muscle Shoals tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
Best for renters or quick setup. No installation needed.
See certified filter on Amazon
Water filter recommendation for Muscle Shoals tap water: Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system
Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
Best for homeowners. Heavy-duty filtration for long-term protection.
See certified filter on Amazon
Most elevated compounds
Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOS
Tested: May 2024 · Muscle Shoals		 0.029 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 637% above limit
PFOS
Tested: May 2024 · Water TP		 0.028 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 598% above limit
PFOS
Tested: May 2024 · Cherokee		 0.026 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 562% above limit
PFOA
Tested: May 2024 · Muscle Shoals		 0.020 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 395% above limit
PFOA
Tested: May 2024 · Water TP		 0.018 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 338% above limit
View all tested compounds

Cherokee · Tested: Multiple dates

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOS 0.026 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 562% above limit
PFOA 0.017 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 325% above limit
PFBS 0.006 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 100% above limit
PFHpA 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 33% above limit
PFPeA 0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 100% of limit
PFHxS 0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L 36% of limit
PFBA 0.011 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.2% of limit
PFHxA 0.005 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.2% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Muscle Shoals · Tested: Multiple dates

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOS 0.029 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 637% above limit
PFOA 0.020 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 395% above limit
PFBS 0.006 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 87% above limit
PFHpA 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 43% above limit
PFPeA 0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 100% of limit
PFHxS 0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L 38% of limit
PFHxA 0.006 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.2% of limit
PFBA 0.011 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.2% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Water TP · Tested: Multiple dates

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOS 0.028 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 598% above limit
PFOA 0.018 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 338% above limit
PFBS 0.006 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 87% above limit
PFHpA 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 30% above limit
PFPeA 0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 100% of limit
PFHxS 0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L 34% of limit
PFHxA 0.005 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.2% of limit
PFBA 0.010 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.2% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Tennessee River & TP · Tested: May 2025

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOS 0.016 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 300% above limit
PFOA 0.010 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 140% above limit
PFBS 0.005 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 70% above limit
PFBA 0.010 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.2% of limit
PFHxA 0.004 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Entry Point Facility · Tested: October 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFBS 0.005 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 83% above limit
PFOS 0.007 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 78% above limit
PFHxA 0.004 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
PFBA 0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Hawk Pride · Tested: Multiple dates

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFBS 0.006 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 87% above limit
PFOS 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 53% above limit
PFHxA 0.004 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Tuscumbia · Tested: Multiple dates

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFBS 0.005 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 80% above limit
PFOS 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 53% above limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Iuka · Tested: April 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

West Lawrence · Tested: January 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)
Guideline source EPA PFAS drinking water standard (PFOS: 0,004 µg/L, effective 2024, compliance by 2031)
Last tested May 2025
Last page update 2026-03-31

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    Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.

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