Montgomery – Alabama – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board provides comprehensive water services to approximately 240,000 residents across the Montgomery metropolitan area and surrounding communities in central Alabama. Established in 1854, the utility has evolved from a simple steam-powered system drawing from the Alabama River into a modern operation that combines surface water from the Tallapoosa River with groundwater from well fields in the west and southwest regions of the city.
Montgomery Water Works sources its drinking water from a strategic blend of approximately two-thirds surface water and one-third groundwater. The primary surface water source is the Tallapoosa River, which supplies the majority of the city’s water needs, while groundwater wells provide supplemental capacity and system reliability. This diversified approach helps ensure water security during seasonal variations and emergency situations. The utility operates multiple treatment facilities equipped with advanced filtration and disinfection systems that consistently meet all federal and state water quality standards, though the system faces ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure, taste and odor issues from natural organic compounds, and emerging contaminants like PFAS compounds that require continuous monitoring and potential treatment upgrades.
Montgomery Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Federal Compliance Status: Montgomery Water Works maintains full compliance with all federal and state drinking water standards according to EPA monitoring reports through June 2024, meeting all Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for regulated substances.
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: Recent testing confirms lead levels at zero with copper levels below EPA action levels, supported by daily monitoring protocols and biofilm protection on older infrastructure components.
- Comprehensive Testing Program: The utility conducts thousands of water quality tests annually, including daily sampling for security purposes and routine monitoring for over 100 different contaminants throughout the distribution system.
Water Sources and Treatment
- Tallapoosa River: Primary surface water source providing approximately two-thirds of the city’s water supply, with advanced treatment including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes.
- Groundwater Wells: Strategic well fields located in western and southwestern areas provide approximately one-third of the water supply, offering system redundancy and enhanced reliability during peak demand periods.
- Treatment Facilities: Multiple water treatment plants utilize state-of-the-art technology including biofilm protection systems, corrosion control measures, and advanced disinfection protocols to ensure water safety.
Taste and Odor Management
- Natural Organic Compounds: Seasonal “grassy” or “earthy” taste and odor issues occur due to naturally occurring geosmin and MIB compounds from upstream lakes that flow into the Tallapoosa River during high rainfall periods.
- Safety Assurance: These naturally occurring compounds are neither toxic nor harmful, and the water remains perfectly safe to drink despite occasional taste and odor variations throughout the year.
- Treatment Optimization: Montgomery Water Works continuously monitors and adjusts treatment processes to minimize taste and odor issues while maintaining all safety standards and regulatory compliance.
Infrastructure and Modernization
- Legacy Infrastructure: The system includes aging components with lead and copper materials, protected by biofilm barriers and corrosion control treatment to prevent leaching into the water supply.
- Ongoing Improvements: Systematic infrastructure upgrades including pipeline replacements, treatment facility enhancements, and distribution system modernization to improve reliability and water quality.
- Emergency Preparedness: Comprehensive monitoring systems and backup protocols ensure rapid response to any water quality issues, with 24-hour emergency service availability for system emergencies.
Customer Service and Support
Montgomery Water Works provides extensive customer support through its main office at 2000 Interstate Park Drive, with 24-hour emergency service and comprehensive billing options including online payment systems. The utility maintains transparent communication with customers through annual water quality reports and responsive customer service for addressing concerns about water quality, taste, or service issues. Educational outreach helps residents understand the source and safety of their drinking water, while customer assistance programs support qualifying low-income households. The utility’s commitment to water quality and customer service reflects its long history serving the Montgomery community since 1854.
Recommendations for Montgomery Residents
Test Your Water
Contact Montgomery Water Works at (334) 206-1600 to request water quality information or testing services. Independent testing may be beneficial for homes with older plumbing systems or specific health concerns.
Water Conservation
Practice water conservation measures including efficient irrigation, fixing leaks promptly, and using water-efficient appliances. Contact the utility for information about conservation programs and incentives.
Consider Home Filtration
While Montgomery’s water meets all safety standards, NSF-certified filters can address taste and odor concerns from natural compounds, especially during seasonal variations, and provide additional peace of mind for emerging contaminants.
Stay Informed
Review annual water quality reports available from Montgomery Water Works and stay informed about any system updates or changes. Sign up for utility notifications to receive important service information.
Report Issues
Contact Montgomery Water Works Customer Service at (334) 206-1600 for any water quality concerns, taste and odor issues, or system emergencies. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montgomery’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Montgomery’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards and is safe to drink. The utility sources water from the Tallapoosa River and groundwater wells, with comprehensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
Montgomery Water Works conducts thousands of water quality tests annually to ensure safety and compliance. The utility maintains zero lead levels and copper levels below EPA action levels through advanced treatment and monitoring. Daily testing protocols and 24-hour monitoring systems ensure immediate detection of any water quality issues, providing additional security for public health protection.
Why does my water sometimes taste “grassy” or “earthy”?
Montgomery’s water occasionally develops a “grassy” or “earthy” taste and odor due to naturally occurring compounds called geosmin and MIB (2-methylisoborneol) that enter the Tallapoosa River from upstream lakes.
These compounds are most noticeable during periods of heavy rainfall when water from upstream lakes carries higher concentrations downstream. While these natural compounds create taste and odor variations, they are neither toxic nor harmful to health. The water remains perfectly safe to drink despite these seasonal variations.
Running cold water for a few minutes after periods of non-use can help improve taste. If taste or odor issues persist or concern you, contact Montgomery Water Works at (334) 206-1600 for assistance.
What about lead in Montgomery’s water system?
Montgomery Water Works maintains zero lead levels in its water supply through comprehensive monitoring and treatment protocols:
• Current status: Recent testing confirms lead levels at zero with copper levels below EPA action levels
• Infrastructure protection: Older infrastructure components containing lead and copper are protected by biofilm barriers that prevent leaching into the water supply
• Corrosion control: Advanced treatment includes corrosion control measures and pH optimization to prevent metal leaching from pipes and fixtures
• Daily monitoring: The utility conducts daily testing for lead and other contaminants, with immediate response protocols for any issues
Residents in homes built before 1986 may want to consider independent testing if they have concerns about internal plumbing components.
How do I contact Montgomery Water Works?
Montgomery Water Works provides comprehensive customer service through multiple channels:
Main Customer Service:
• Phone: (334) 206-1600
• Email: customercare@mwwssb.com
• Address: 2000 Interstate Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36109
Emergency Service:
• 24-hour emergency line: (334) 206-1600
• For water main breaks, service line issues, or other emergencies
Online Services:
• Bill payment and account management
• Service start/stop requests
• Water quality reports and information
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products that can enter surface water sources like the Tallapoosa River
Health Effects: Studies suggest potential concerns including impacts on immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers and developmental issues
Current Status: Detected at low levels in Montgomery’s water supply; utility monitoring developments in EPA regulations and treatment technologies EPA Limits: New federal regulations established maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS compounds in 2024, with compliance required by 2027
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when chlorine disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in the Tallapoosa River source water; levels may vary seasonally with organic content
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system function
Current Levels: Monitored regularly throughout the distribution system with levels maintained below EPA maximum contaminant levels EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5)
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