Memphis Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Memphis residents — your tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards. At just 44.7 ppm (2.6 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
2.6 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Memphis Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Memphis tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.
8 contaminants were tested in Memphis's water. 6 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 7.42 ppb (9% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.6 ppm (15% of EPA limit).
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in available test data.
Lead — Lead (4.73 ppb) is at 32% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 660K people in the Memphis area.
Based on publicly available data from MLGW 2024 Water Quality Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Memphis tap water meets all current EPA standards. No additional filtration is required based on available test data. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.
How Memphis Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
4.73 ppb
66% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
46 ppm
64% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is Memphis Water?
44.7 ppm
2.6 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 12–110 ppm
Based on 46 samples from MLGW 2024 Water Quality Report (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Memphis tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Memphis
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
4.73 ppb
Memphis lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
No PFAS detected in available test data
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in available test data.
Chlorine
30% of EPA limit
Range: 0.61–2.11 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
8 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
0.6 ppm Range: 0.06-1.5 Added at target 0.7 ppm per HHS recommendation (reduced from 1.0 in 2013) | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 15% of limit | |
Sodium | 8.9 ppm Range: 6-14.7 Very low - naturally present | N/A | Safe |
0.08 ppm Range: 0.02-0.21 Extremely low | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 1% of limit | |
7.42 ppb Range: 1.1-17.3 LRAA 2024 - exceptionally low (9% of MCL) | 80 ppb | Safe 9% of limit | |
1.71 ppb Range: 1.45-2.01 LRAA 2024 - exceptionally low (3% of MCL) | 60 ppb | Safe 3% of limit | |
Chlorine | 1.2 ppm Range: 0.61-2.11 2024 - highest quarterly RAA 0.85 ppm | 4 ppm | Safe 30% of limit |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 0/20 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 0/20 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Memphis's Water?
Utility Name
MEMPHIS LIGHT, GAS, & WATER
EPA System ID (PWSID)
TN0000450
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
660K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Memphis tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
Nashville
Moderate water
Knoxville
Very Hard water
Murfreesboro
Very Hard water
Chattanooga
Hard water
Clarksville
Hard water
Hendersonville
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: MLGW 2024 Water Quality Report (2024) • View report