Water Quality in Fairhope, AL

Fairhope's water has 3 contaminants above health guidelines. Consider using a certified water filter for additional protection.

Utility

FAIRHOPE WATER SYSTEM

People Served

59,484

MCL Violations

0

Last Updated

Aug 22, 2025

Quick Summary

20
Contaminants Tested
3
Above Guidelines
Above EPA Limits
EPA Status
Same as state average

Contaminants Detected

⚠️ Contaminants Above Health Guidelines (3)

What is Chlorine (Total)?

Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens, making water safe for drinking.

Health Effects

Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting high levels of chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.

Affected Organs

Respiratory systemSkinEyesGastrointestinal system

Common Sources

Water treatment processesDisinfection of drinking waterIndustrial discharge
Last Tested: Aug 22, 2025

What is Radium 228?

Radium-228 is a radioactive isotope of radium that occurs naturally in uranium and thorium ores. It is part of the decay chain of uranium-232 and has a half-life of 5.75 years. Radium-228 can be found in groundwater and can contaminate drinking water supplies.

Health Effects

Exposure to radium-228 can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, due to its radioactive properties. Long-term exposure can also affect the kidneys and other organs.

Affected Organs

BoneKidneysLiver

Common Sources

Natural depositsIndustrial discharge

Certified Filter Standards

View Recommended Filters →
Last Tested: Aug 22, 2025

What is Total THMs?

Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.

Affected Organs

spleendevelopmentalkidneysimmune-systemcarcinogensliver

Common Sources

Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systemsTotal THMs are usually higher in surface water than groundwaterThe release of agricultural and industrial chemicals may also contribute to total THMs in drinking water
Last Tested: Aug 22, 2025

Understanding the Data

This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against health guidelines (HGL). Contaminants above the health guideline are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.

Recommended Water Filters for Fairhope

Based on Fairhope's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above health guidelines.

Our Pick
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
GNRQ18NBN[1] GNRQ18NBN[1]

GE Appliances, a Haier Company

GNRQ18NBN[1] GNRQ18NBN[1]

(482 reviews)
58.42

NSF Certified:

NSF-42
NSF-58

Capacity

260 gal

Filter Life

1 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 23 contaminants:

Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free) +18 more

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
GXRQ18NBN[1] GXRQ18NBN[1]

GE Appliances, a Haier Company

GXRQ18NBN[1] GXRQ18NBN[1]

(482 reviews)
58.42

NSF Certified:

NSF-42
NSF-58

Capacity

260 gal

Filter Life

1 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 23 contaminants:

Arsenic, Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free) +18 more

View Details
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
Rainsoft Rainsoft Ultrefiner Elite

Aquion, Inc.

Rainsoft Rainsoft Ultrefiner Elite

(60 reviews)
50.79

NSF Certified:

NSF-401
NSF-42
NSF-53
NSF-58

Capacity

2251 gal

Filter Life

8 mo

Flow Rate

1 gpm

Removes 20 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chloramine, Chlorine (Free) +15 more

View Details
BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Solventum Purification Inc.

3MRO501[G] 3MRO501[G]

NSF Certified:

NSF-42
NSF-58

Capacity

15001 gal

Filter Life

50 mo

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Removes 22 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total) +17 more

View Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairhope's water has 3 contaminants above health guidelines. While the water meets federal legal limits, we recommend using a certified water filter for additional protection, especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.