Lithium Contamination

Lithium in Alabama Drinking Water

Ranked by max lithium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 5 data (2023–2025) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Detected

100%

% Detected

19.7 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

250

Health Violations

Analysis

Lithium in Alabama: what the data shows

Alabama has 43 cities with lithium data from the EPA's UCMR 5 program (2023–2025). Lithium was detected in 43 of those cities. There is currently no federal MCL or health advisory for lithium — the state average max detected level is 19.7 µg/L. Nationally, lithium is detected in roughly 28% of sampled water systems. Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in arid western states, and is concentrated in some surface waters near industrial discharge or geothermal sources. UCMR 5 added lithium monitoring in 2023, providing the first systematic national snapshot of public-water lithium levels. At therapeutic doses (administered as a medication), lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder. Chronic low-dose exposure from drinking water has been associated in some studies with effects on thyroid function and possibly mood. The most protective state guidance value is around 60 µg/L. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange are effective removal methods.

Comparison

Cities exceeding No federal MCL or HA

Alabama

100%

43 of 43 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

2808 of 2808 cities

City Map

Lithium data across Alabama

Each dot is a city with UCMR 5 lithium testing data. Detected cities are shown — there is no federal limit, though some states use 60 µg/L as a screening level. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by lithium level in Alabama

Highest Lithium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Alabama cities ranked by lithium level

#	City	Level	Detected?	Violations	Grade
1	Jacksonville	100.0 µg/L	Detected	4	A-
2	Gilbertown	40.1 µg/L	Detected	8	D+
3	Livingston	40.0 µg/L	Detected	6	A-
4	Andalusia	37.8 µg/L	Detected	3	C+
5	Evergreen	33.9 µg/L	Detected	3	B-
6	Myrtlewood	32.0 µg/L	Detected	2	A
7	Greenville	30.2 µg/L	Detected	13	C+
8	Bakerhill	25.8 µg/L	Detected	4	A
9	Butler	23.0 µg/L	Detected	8	B+
10	Thorsby	21.8 µg/L	Detected	0	A
11	Cleveland	21.8 µg/L	Detected	5	B
12	Brewton	20.5 µg/L	Detected	4	D
13	Snead	18.3 µg/L	Detected	3	A-
14	Peterman	18.0 µg/L	Detected	2	C
15	Monroeville	17.5 µg/L	Detected	1	A
16	Selma	17.3 µg/L	Detected	6	D+
17	Greensboro	16.8 µg/L	Detected	1	D
18	Geneva	16.7 µg/L	Detected	0	A
19	Hanceville	16.1 µg/L	Detected	2	A-
20	East Brewton	15.8 µg/L	Detected	2	B
21	Citronelle	15.5 µg/L	Detected	2	D
22	New Brockton	15.4 µg/L	Detected	7	C+
23	Eutaw	15.4 µg/L	Detected	8	B
24	Daphne	14.0 µg/L	Detected	9	D
25	Theodore	13.7 µg/L	Detected	5	C
26	Lisman	13.6 µg/L	Detected	5	D+
27	Camden	13.4 µg/L	Detected	8	B
28	Troy	13.1 µg/L	Detected	11	B
29	Bessemer	12.7 µg/L	Detected	3	B-
30	Alabaster	12.4 µg/L	Detected	2	A-
31	Daleville	12.3 µg/L	Detected	3	B
32	Taylor	12.3 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
33	Enterprise	12.2 µg/L	Detected	5	B
34	Demopolis	12.2 µg/L	Detected	6	B+
35	Opp	12.0 µg/L	Detected	2	A-
36	Spanish Fort	11.7 µg/L	Detected	0	C+
37	Elba	11.4 µg/L	Detected	4	C+
38	Highland Home	11.3 µg/L	Detected	0	A
39	Coker	11.1 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
40	York	11.0 µg/L	Detected	26	A-
41	Helena	9.9 µg/L	Detected	0	A
42	Carrollton	9.7 µg/L	Detected	4	B-
43	Brantley	9.2 µg/L	Detected	2	B+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about lithium in Alabama

Is lithium in Alabama tap water harmful?

Lithium has no federal MCL or health advisory. Some state agencies use 60 µg/L as a screening level. 43 cities in Alabama had detectable lithium in UCMR 5 testing. Therapeutic lithium doses (used to treat bipolar disorder) are far higher than typical drinking-water levels, but chronic low-level exposure has been studied for potential thyroid and mood effects.

Where does lithium in tap water come from?

Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, especially in arid western states with lithium-bearing geology (parts of Nevada, California, North Carolina, Texas). It can also enter water from industrial sources such as battery manufacturing, ceramics, and lithium-mining wastewater. Geothermal hot springs are another natural source.

How can I remove lithium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing lithium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems and distillation also work well. Standard activated carbon filters are NOT effective against lithium. If you rely on a private well in a lithium-rich geological area, consider testing.

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