Tennessee Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 12 cities in Tennessee, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
9 of 12 cities violation-free
12 cities tested
12 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Tennessee
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Memphis
660K served
Chattanooga
270K served
Clarksville
252K served
Hendersonville
190K served
Maryville
134K served
White House
130K served
Kingsport
120K served
Cleveland
113K served
Johnson City
105K served
Nashville
843K served
Most Water Quality Issues in Tennessee
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Water Hardness Across Tennessee
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Tennessee Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Tennessee has 12 tracked water utilities serving approximately 3.8M residents. The average water hardness is 130 ppm (7.6 GPG), classified as Hard — above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 5.1 ppm in Maryville to 238 ppm in Cleveland.
In the past 3 years, 3 of 12 cities in Tennessee have recorded water quality violations, totaling 29 violations (4 health-based). All 12 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
With hard water on average, many Tennessee residents may notice mineral buildup on fixtures, dry skin, or stiff-feeling hair. A shower filter for hard water can help reduce chlorine exposure, while a water softener addresses the mineral buildup directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Tennessee?
Most tap water in Tennessee meets EPA standards, but 3 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (4 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Tennessee?
Tennessee's average water hardness is 130 ppm (7.6 GPG), classified as Hard. This is above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Tennessee has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Memphis ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Tennessee. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Tennessee has the most water quality issues?
Knoxville currently has the most water quality concerns in Tennessee, with 16 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Tennessee get its water from?
The majority of Tennessee's water systems (92%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 12 Cities
Sorted by population served
Nashville
Utility serves 843K
Memphis
Utility serves 660K
Knoxville
Utility serves 602K
Murfreesboro
Utility serves 333K
Chattanooga
Utility serves 270K
Clarksville
Utility serves 252K
Hendersonville
Utility serves 190K
Maryville
Utility serves 134K
White House
Utility serves 130K
Kingsport
Utility serves 120K
Cleveland
Utility serves 113K
Johnson City
Utility serves 105K