Pelham Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

Pelham Water Works serves the Pelham area in St. Clair County, Alabama, operating five groundwater wells drawing from the Copper Ridge Dolomite and Longview Limestone Aquifers, supplemented by purchased surface water from Shelby County Water Services. The purchased surface water originates from the Talladega/Shelby Water Treatment Plant (TSWTP) and Shelby South Water Treatment Plant (SWTP), both treating water sourced from the Coosa River and Lay Lake system. Treatment includes chlorination, and the system meets full compliance with EPA and Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) drinking water standards.

The Pelham water supply reflects the geology of central Alabama's Paleozoic carbonate belt. The Copper Ridge Dolomite and Longview Limestone formations are naturally soluble, dissolving calcium and magnesium minerals as groundwater percolates through them. The surface water component from the Coosa River/Lay Lake system also carries dissolved minerals from the same limestone-rich watershed. This combination of carbonate aquifer groundwater and limestone-influenced surface water produces a hard water supply characteristic of Alabama's limestone belt geology.

At the hard hardness level, Pelham residents experience scale buildup in water heaters, kettles, and pipes; reduced soap and detergent efficiency; and potential staining on fixtures and glassware. Dishwashers and washing machines may require higher detergent doses and more frequent maintenance. A water softener is generally recommended to extend appliance lifespan and improve cleaning performance, though many households manage using chelating agents or vinegar treatments for descaling. Pelham Water Works has introduced monitoring for PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS per new EPA regulations, with MCLs set at 0.0040 µg/L for PFOS and PFOA, and 0.010 µg/L for PFHxS.