The primary focus at Birmingham Water Works is to provide our customers with the highest quality water possible at the most affordable rates. Since 1951, the company has met this goal successfully, and is a highly regarded leader in the water purification industry. The people of Birmingham elected to establish an independent Water Board in 1950, rather than have a water system controlled by City Hall. Their reasoning has been proven as the efficient operation has been directed by the members of the Board. Operating the water system as a profit driven business increased productivity, reduced wasteful spending and kept rates low for area customers. Good source water is the result of the Birmingham Water Works’ aggressive environmental protection policy. While water systems nationwide are regulated by provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency, Birmingham Water Works has always been a good steward of the environment since its creation. Our Watershed Protection Policy limits development in areas close to our water sources, which reduces pollutants. Purchasing land to increase our watershed decreases the amount of treatment required for raw water – and the associated costs – giving our customers a better tasting product at an affordable price.