Forestdale Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
8.8 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.1
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.007 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
367 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.40
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Forestdale, your appliances are currently losing 20% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Forestdale | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 4.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -46% |
| Washing Machine | 8 yrs | 12 yrs | -33% |
| Water Heater | 9.6 yrs | 15 yrs | -36% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Forestdale compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Forestdale, Alabama | 151 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Fairfield, Alabama | 60 mg/L | 4.1 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Birmingham, Alabama | 157.5 mg/L | 7.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Pleasant Grove, Alabama | 176 mg/L | 8.2 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Gardendale, Alabama | 59 mg/L | 4 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Forestdale compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Forestdale | 151 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Forestdale's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Forestdale, Alabama, in Jefferson County — a Jefferson County unincorporated community adjacent to Irondale and Fultondale in the north Birmingham area — receives its water from the Birmingham Water Works Board, drawing from the Inland Lake system through the north-central Alabama distribution.
The hard 151 mg/L hardness and TDS of 367 mg/L reflect the Jefferson County supply's hard Alabama limestone character — the Mississippian Bangor Limestone and Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation are highly calcareous-slightly calcareous formations in the Alabama Valley and Ridge; the Birmingham Water Works supply acquires substantial dissolved mineral content from its extensive Alabama limestone drainage basin (compare Irondale AL: 147/357 in Jefferson County comparable; Fultondale AL: 154/377 in Jefferson County comparable; Forestdale consistent hard from the same Jefferson County Inland Lake Mississippian calcareous supply). The Inland Lake supply — Mississippian Bangor Limestone (highly calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation (slightly calcareous — secondary contributor), and Quaternary Alabama Valley alluvium (calcareous — TDS contributor).
At 151 mg/L with TDS 367, Forestdale's water is hard — scale builds in appliances. Quarterly descaling is appropriate. The PFAS level of 7.3 ppt warrants a certified drinking water filter. Review the Birmingham Water Works Board's annual water quality report.
Geology & Source: Forestdale in Jefferson County draws from the Birmingham Water Works on the Inland Lake supply (Jefferson County, north-central Alabama) — the Alabama Valley and Ridge at Jefferson County draws from Mississippian Bangor Limestone (highly calcareous) and Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation (slightly calcareous) — Alabama Jefferson County Inland Lake Mississippian calcareous supply produces hard water at 151 mg/L with TDS 367 mg/L.