WaterQ
Tennessee State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Chattanooga tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
B

Mostly yes — Chattanooga scores 85/100.

Safety Score
85
out of 100

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Chattanooga

Tennessee

View Tennessee state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Chattanooga tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Chattanooga scores 85/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 4 local systems in Chattanooga. We found 176 total violations (126 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 07:15 PM
0mm Precipitation

☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Chattanooga.

Water Quality Impact

✅ Minimal Impact Localized weather conditions may influence test result variability.

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Chattanooga?

Requirement Status
Optional
🟢
💡

Expert Advice

Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.

Buying a Filter?

Should you buy a water purifier in Chattanooga? See our analysis.

Baby Formula Safety

Is Chattanooga tap water safe for infants? Critical safety guide.

Homebuyer's Perspective

For those looking to relocate to Chattanooga, water quality is a key factor in long-term property maintenance. The high safety score (85/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Chattanooga

176
Violations (5yr)
126
Unresolved
1
Contaminants Tracked
0
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Chattanooga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chattanooga tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Chattanooga scores 85/100.

How many water systems serve Chattanooga?

Chattanooga is served by 4 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Chattanooga?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Chattanooga.

What is the water quality score for Chattanooga?

The water quality score for Chattanooga is 85 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 4 systems serving the city.

What are the top contaminants in Chattanooga?

The top contaminants detected in Chattanooga include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
85/100
Grade
B
Water Systems
4
Population
275,939

Chattanooga Water Quality Summary

Chattanooga, TN receives a water quality score of 85/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 4 public water systems serving the area.

Chattanooga's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Chattanooga's score of 85 is 2 points above the Tennessee state average of 83, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

As a large city situated within a Southeastern region characterized by a mix of urban centers and rural Appalachian foothills, Chattanooga, Tennessee, distributes its supply through multiple water systems. For households moving to the area or current residents, the municipal tap water registers a solid, satisfactory rating that suggests generally reliable utility service with only minor room for improvement. This respectable performance shows that the local systems consistently deliver quality water to this urban center, serving as a reassuring sign for prospective homebuyers.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our Tennessee water quality rankings report →

Key Contaminants

Lead (90th percentile)
0.00232 / 0.015 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 0.015 mg/L

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Water Systems Serving Chattanooga (4)

Related

Compare Chattanooga water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality