Gardendale Tap Water Quality Report
Gardendale's water has 3 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. Consider using a certified water filter for additional protection.
Utility
GREATER GARDENDALE WSC
People Served
3,513
MCL Violations
0
Last Updated
2022-06-08
Is Gardendale Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Gardendale's water has 3 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines (MCLGs). 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.
The data below shows test results from GREATER GARDENDALE WSC, which serves 3,513 people in the Gardendale area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2022-06-08.
Gardendale Water Quality Test Results
Key Water Quality Metrics
Contaminants Detected
⚠️ Contaminants Above EPA MCLG (3)
Arsenic
What is Arsenic?
Naturally occurring element that has both inorganic and organic forms
Health Effects
The EPA drinking water standards for arsenic are based on adverse effects to the cardiovascular, pulmonary and liver systems in drinking water with inorganic arsenic, as well as an increased risk of cancer. Long term health effects of total arsenic in drinking water include bladder, GI tract, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas and skin cancer, cardiovascular effects, pulmonary and gastrointestinal effects, ocular, immunological, neurological and reproductive effects. Arsenic found in epidemiological studies include developmental effects, socioeconomic and genotoxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Gross Alpha Activity
What is Gross Alpha Activity?
Gross alpha activity measures the total amount of radioactivity in a water sample emitted by decaying alpha-emitting elements, notably radioactive isotopes of uranium, radium, and radon. Alpha emitters are used to treat cancer, as an eliminator of static in paper mills and in other products like smoke detectors. Radioactive atoms release high energy alpha particles that pull electrons off of the atoms in cells. This process is called ionizing radiation, and may lead to harmful changes in cells and tissues. The toxicity of an alpha emitter depends on the amount of energy it releases and how organ systems respond to that energy. Exposure to elevated gross alpha activity is associated with increased cancer risk and genotoxicity, but toxicity to individual systems is dependent on the type of alpha emitter present.
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for gross alpha activity have been developed based on increased cancer risk associated with alpha radioactivity. Alpha radiation has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Radium, combined (-226 & -228)
What is Radium, combined (-226 & -228)?
Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal that is part of the uranium decay series. It is found in trace amounts in soil, rock, and water. Radium is known for its radioactive properties and can emit alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. It is a heavy metal and can be harmful to human health when ingested or inhaled.
Health Effects
Exposure to radium can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer. It can also cause damage to the bone marrow and other organs. Long-term exposure may result in anemia, immune system suppression, and other health complications.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Understanding the Data
This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). Contaminants above the MCLG 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 Gardendale
Based on Gardendale's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.
Solventum Purification Inc.
3MRO401
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
11.48 gpd
Removes 15 contaminants:
Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more
Solventum Purification Inc.
3MRO301
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
11.48 gpd
Removes 15 contaminants:
Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more
Whirlpool Corporation
W11256135
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.7 gpm
Removes 19 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more
Whirlpool Corporation
W11569861
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.52 gpm
Removes 22 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos +17 more
Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing
With 3 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.
SimpleLab
Standard Home Water Test
$232
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$369
Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.
Tap Score
Advanced Microplastics Test
$636
Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardendale Tap Water
Gardendale's water has 3 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. 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.