Tennessee Tap Water Quality Rankings 2026: 24th in Nation | WaterQ
Tennessee, located in the Southeast, ranks 24th out of 50 states for drinking water quality. With a population of 7,870,824 served by 389 water systems, the state has an average water quality score of 84, earning a grade of B. Although water systems generally meet regulatory standards, there have been 13,753 violations recorded, indicating areas where maintenance and treatment processes require attention.
Key Findings for Tennessee
Reviewing EPA SDWIS data for 2026, here's what defines Tennessee's water quality landscape:
- Rural communities, particularly in the Appalachian foothills, often rely on smaller water systems that can face greater operational and maintenance challenges.
- In Tennessee's urban centers, older municipal infrastructure and housing stock present localized risks of lead leaching from aging pipes and service lines.
- Agricultural runoff in farming regions can introduce nitrates and other nutrients into source waters, which may lead to increased levels of disinfection byproducts during treatment.
Most Common Contaminants in Tennessee
Here's what Tennessee residents should know about the contaminants most relevant to their water:
Disinfection Byproducts
These chemical compounds can form when disinfectants react with organic matter in surface water sources. Systems must carefully manage treatment processes to keep these byproducts within safe EPA limits.
Lead
Lead typically enters drinking water through the corrosion of plumbing materials like older service lines, pipes, and fixtures. This issue is primarily related to aging household and municipal infrastructure rather than the source water itself.
Nitrate
Nitrate can seep into water sources through agricultural runoff, fertilizers, or septic system drainage. It is more commonly monitored in agricultural areas and systems drawing from shallow wells.
Tennessee's Best and Worst Cities for Water Quality
For specific data on your local drinking water, please consult the individual municipal water reports. The city-by-city breakdown on this page provides the most up-to-date compliance records and testing results for systems throughout Tennessee. Explore the full breakdown on our Tennessee water systems page.
What Tennessee Residents Should Do
Given Tennessee's 24th place ranking, here's what matters most for residents:
- Search for and review your local water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
- Test your tap water using a certified laboratory if you suspect plumbing contains lead.
- If you use a private well, perform annual testing for bacteria, nitrates, and other local contaminants.
- Consider using a water filtration system certified to reduce the specific contaminants identified in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tennessee water quality compare to other states?
Tennessee ranks 24th out of 50 states, placing it near the middle of national water quality rankings. The state received an average score of 84 and a grade of B. This grade indicates that while most systems function adequately, there is still room for improvement.
What are the most common contaminants in Tennessee tap water?
The most common potential contaminants in Tennessee tap water include disinfection byproducts, lead from aging infrastructure, and nitrates from agricultural runoff. These contaminants correspond to the state's mix of rural agricultural lands and older urban centers.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Tennessee?
With a grade of B, Tennessee's public drinking water is generally considered safe for the majority of the population. However, because individual water systems have recorded compliance violations, residents should verify their local system's safety records.
Source: EPA SDWIS 2026 Compliance Data and WaterQ National Database. For more information on our ranking process, visit our state rankings page.