Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

UTILITY

Munford Water Authority Inc.

location

Munford, Alabama

serves

4,467

source

Groundwater

data

2018-2023

Overview

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (April 2024 - June 2024), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Contaminants Detected

Nitrate

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.05 ppm

7.5x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm

Nitrate

Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer. Click here to read more about nitrate.

Nitrate was found at 7.5 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.14 ppm or less

This Utility

1.05 ppm

Legal Limit

10 ppm

National Average

0.824 ppm

State Average

0.574 ppm

Health Risks

The EWG health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppm = parts per million

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Runoff & Sprawl

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Nitrate and nitrite

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.04 ppm

7.4x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm

Nitrate and nitrite

Nitrate and nitrite enter water from fertilizer runoff, septic tanks and urban runoff. These contaminants can cause oxygen deprivation for infants and increase the risk of cancer. Nitrite is significantly more toxic than nitrate. Click here to read more about nitrate.

Nitrate and nitrite was found at 7.4 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.14 ppm or less

This Utility

1.04 ppm

Legal Limit

10 ppm

National Average

0.78 ppm

State Average

0.532 ppm

Health Risks

The EWG health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppm = parts per million

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Runoff & Sprawl

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)

Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.260 ppt

4.3x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.06 ppt

Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)

Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFDA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) was found at 4.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppt or less

This Utility

0.26 ppt

National Average

0.004 ppt

State Average

0.048 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.006 ppt for perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) was defined by EPA's recommended application of the toxicity value for PFDA published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to the immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)

Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.0760 ppt

76x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.001 ppt

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)

Perfluorohexane sulfonate is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. Perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) was found at 76 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.001 ppt or less

This Utility

0.076 ppt

Legal Limit

10 ppt

National Average

0.523 ppt

State Average

0.326 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.001 ppt for perfluorohexane sulfonate was defined by EPA's toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information System's toxicological review. This health guideline harm to the developing immune system.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Potential Effect:

This Utility: 2.08 ppt

6.9x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.3 ppt

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found at 6.9 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.3 ppt or less

This Utility

2.08 ppt

Proposed Legal Limit

4 ppt

National Average

1.15 ppt

State Average

1.91 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.3 ppt for PFOS was defined by EPA's final toxicity value from the Office of Water’s Final Human Health Toxicity Assessment. This health guideline protects againat cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)

Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.230 ppt

38x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.006 ppt

Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)

Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFTrDA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) was found at 38 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.006 ppt or less

This Utility

0.23 ppt

National Average

0.001 ppt

State Average

0.049 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.006 ppt for PFTrDA was based on the EPA's recommended application of the toxicity value for PFDA published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to the immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)

Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.180 ppt

30x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.006 ppt

Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)

Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFUnA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) was found at 30 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.006 ppt or less

This Utility

0.18 ppt

National Average

0.007 ppt

State Average

0.033 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.006 ppt for PFUnA was based the EPA's recommended application of the toxicity value for PFDA published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to the immune system and harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 3.50 ppb

23x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.15 ppb

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 23 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.15 ppb or less

This Utility

3.5 ppb

Legal Limit

80 ppb

National Average

29.1 ppb

State Average

25.1 ppb

Health Risks

The health guideline of 0.15 parts per billion, or ppb, for the group of four trihalomethanes, or THM4/TTHM, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.


† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.

Aluminum

This Utility: 2.50 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 600 ppb

Aluminum

Aluminum is a metal released from metal refineries and mining operations. Too much aluminum exposure can impair children's brain development.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

600 ppb or less

This Utility

2.5 ppb

National Average

26.4 ppb

State Average

32.1 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 600 ppb for aluminum was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Barium

This Utility: 9.50 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 700 ppb

Barium

Barium is a mineral present in rocks, soil and water. High concentrations of barium in drinking water increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

700 ppb or less

This Utility

9.5 ppb

Legal Limit

2,000 ppb

National Average

39.5 ppb

State Average

23.7 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 700 ppb for barium was defined by EWG as benchmark that protects against harm to the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N-EtFOSAA)

This Utility: 0.210 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 1 ppt

N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N-EtFOSAA)

N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N-EtFOSAA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. N-EtFOSAA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

1 ppt or less

This Utility

0.21 ppt

National Average

0.002 ppt

State Average

0.014 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for N-EtFOSAA was defined by EWG as based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)

This Utility: 0.180 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 1 ppt

N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)

N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. NMeFOSAA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

1 ppt or less

This Utility

0.18 ppt

National Average

0.001 ppt

State Average

0.018 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppt for NMeFOSAA was defined by EWG as based on studies by Phillipe Grandjean of Harvard University and many other independent researchers who found reduced effectiveness of vaccines and adverse impacts on mammary gland development from exposure to PFOA and PFOS, the two PFAS most widely detected in drinking water.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

This Utility: 0.0580 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 2,000 ppt

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

2,000 ppt or less

This Utility

0.058 ppt

National Average

0.679 ppt

State Average

2.73 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 2,000 ppt for perfluorobutane sulfonate was defined by EPA’s Human Health toxicity value. This health guideline hormone disruption and harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

This Utility: 0.0570 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 1,000 ppt

Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

Perfluorohexanoic acid is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. Perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

1,000 ppt or less

This Utility

0.057 ppt

National Average

1.05 ppt

State Average

1.43 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1,000 ppt for perfluorohexanoic acid was defined by EPA's toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information System's toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

This Utility: 0.110 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.09 ppt

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

0.09 ppt or less

This Utility

0.11 ppt

Proposed Legal Limit

4 ppt

National Average

0.796 ppt

State Average

1.34 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.09 ppt for PFOA was was defined by EPA's final toxicity value from the Office of Water’s Final Human Health Toxicity Assessment. This health guideline protects againat cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.

Other Contaminants Tested

Chemicals tested for but not detected:

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,1-Dichloropropene, 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,3-Trichloropropane, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 1,3-Dichloropropene, 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic aci, 2,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, 3-Hydroxycarbofuran, 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA), 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (, Alachlor (Lasso), Aldicarb, Aldicarb sulfone, Aldicarb sulfoxide, Aldrin, Antimony, Arsenic, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Beryllium, Bromobenzene, Bromochloromethane, Bromodichloromethane, Bromoform, Bromomethane, Butachlor, Cadmium, Carbaryl, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlordane, Chloroethane, Chloroform, Chloromethane, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Cyanide, Dalapon, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Dibromochloromethane, Dibromomethane, Dicamba, Dichlorodifluoromethane, Dichloromethane (methylene chloride), Dieldrin, Dinoseb, Diquat, Endothall, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide, Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA), Isopropylbenzene, Lindane, m-Dichlorobenzene, Manganese, Mercury (inorganic), Methomyl, Methoxychlor, Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene), MTBE, n-Butylbenzene, n-Propylbenzene, Naphthalene, Nitrite, o-Chlorotoluene, o-Dichlorobenzene, Oxamyl (Vydate), p-Chlorotoluene, p-Dichlorobenzene, p-Isopropyltoluene, Pentachlorophenol, Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA), Picloram, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Propachlor, Radium, combined (-226 & -228), sec-Butylbenzene, Selenium, Silver, Simazine, Styrene, tert-Butylbenzene, Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Trichloroethylene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total)

Find A Filter

Utility: 

Munford Water Authority Inc.
view utility

Carbon Filters

FILTERS 6 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+5 others)

Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.

pros

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Reduced maintenance

cons

  • Does not remove all contaminants

Reverse Osmosis

FILTERS 8 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+7 others)

Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.

pros

  • Most effective

cons

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires more maintenance
  • Wastes water

Other Considerations

Ion Exchange

Pros: Softens hard water, Reduces some contaminants

Cons: Doesn’t remove all contaminants

Whole-House Filters

Pros: Useful for reducing radiologicals and TCE

Cons: Expensive to install and maintain, Risk of bacterial contamination

Distillation

Pros: Removes heavy metals and harmful microbes

Cons: Does not reduce most contaminants

Explore filter options for each contaminant. See which technologies are effective at reducing specific contaminants to help you make an informed decision on the best water treatment solution for your needs.

CONTAMINANTS ABOVE HEALTH GUIDELINES activated carbon reverse osmosis ion exchange
Nitrate
Nitrate & nitrite
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
OTHER CONTAMINANTS DETECTED activated carbon reverse osmosis ion exchange
Aluminum
Barium
N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N-EtFOSAA)
N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)
Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)