Hueytown Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.6 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.009 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
483 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.48
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 Hueytown, your appliances are currently losing 24% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Hueytown | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.6 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -58% |
| Washing Machine | 6.9 yrs | 12 yrs | -43% |
| Water Heater | 8.4 yrs | 15 yrs | -44% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Hueytown compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hueytown, Alabama | 181 mg/L | 8.4 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Bessemer, Alabama | 43.5 mg/L | 3.5 ppt | 🟢 Soft | reservoir |
| Hoover, Alabama | 154.5 mg/L | 7.5 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Homewood, Alabama | 150.5 mg/L | 7.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
| Birmingham, Alabama | 157.5 mg/L | 7.6 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Hueytown compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Hueytown | 181 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Hueytown's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Hueytown, Alabama, in Jefferson County — a Jefferson County city adjacent to Bessemer and Midfield in the west Birmingham suburb in the Birmingham-Hoover metro — receives its municipal water from Jefferson County Environmental Services or Birmingham Water Works, drawing from the Cahaba River or local Lake Purdy watershed (Jefferson County) through the Jefferson County treatment system.
The hard 181 mg/L hardness and elevated TDS of 483 mg/L reflect the Jefferson County Alabama Valley and Ridge watershed's significant calcareous character — driven by the Ordovician Knox Dolomite and Silurian limestone formations that outcrop extensively in the Birmingham area. The Cahaba River-Jefferson County watershed drains the Alabama Valley and Ridge — Ordovician Knox Dolomite (calcareous — primary hardness contributor), Silurian Red Mountain Formation (calcareous shale and oolitic iron ore), Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation (slightly calcareous sandstone), and Cambrian Ketona Dolomite (calcareous). The Knox and Silurian dolomite and limestone exposure produces the hard west Birmingham supply.
At 181 mg/L with TDS 483, Hueytown's water is hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling is recommended. The PFAS level of 8.4 ppt warrants a certified reverse osmosis drinking water filter — the Jefferson County Birmingham industrial corridor (historically one of the largest US steel and iron industry centers), Redstone Arsenal proximity via regional plume migration, and the Alabama PFAS industrial legacy contribute to Hueytown's elevated readings.
Geology & Source: Hueytown in Jefferson County draws from the Jefferson County Water on the Cahaba River or Inland Lake (Jefferson County, central Alabama) — the Cahaba drains the Alabama Valley and Ridge (Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation sandstone, Ordovician Knox Dolomite — calcareous) — Alabama Jefferson County Cahaba River Valley and Ridge calcareous watershed produces hard water at 181 mg/L with TDS 483 mg/L in this Jefferson County Alabama city.