Foley Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Foley Utilities Board of the City of Foley, doing business as Riviera Utilities, provides water to approximately 41,388 residents primarily in Foley, Baldwin County, Alabama. The utility sources its water exclusively from groundwater aquifers accessed via wells, with treatment involving chlorine disinfection at facilities managed from 413 East Laurel Avenue, Foley, AL 36536. Contact Riviera Utilities at 251-949-2113 for service details. The system has earned an 'A' excellent water quality grade, meeting all EPA health guidelines with no violations across 157+ contaminants tested.

The watershed for Foley's groundwater is part of the broader coastal plain aquifer system in south Alabama, influenced by the limestone-dominated geology of the Floridan Aquifer periphery. Carbonate rock formations from the Tertiary and Cretaceous periods form the primary aquifer matrix, including shell and limestone deposits. This geology dissolves alkaline earth metals into the water, resulting in a moderately mineralised supply characteristic of limestone groundwater regions, while the confined aquifer protects against surface contamination.

At moderately hard levels, Foley's water causes moderate scale buildup in water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs over time. Soap lathering is somewhat reduced, leading to higher detergent use and potential spotting on dishes or fixtures. Annual deliming of heaters and installing sediment filters is advisable; a water softener is recommended to mitigate these effects and extend appliance life. pH is typically neutral to slightly alkaline due to limestone influence; groundwater sourcing minimizes lead risks from older distribution pipes, and all contaminants meet current EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels.