Is Memphis tap water safe to drink?

Yes with good quality

Memphis's tap water meets all EPA standards and scores well on our analysis. It is generally safe to drink though filtration can improve taste and provide extra precaution.

82/100
Purity Score
2
Issues Found
2.6 GPG
Hardness
Not detected
PFAS

2 Issues Detected in Memphis

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for Memphis

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.2 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Memphis
Tennessee

381,013,810,338,104 · Memphis Aquifer groundwater

Drinking Water in Memphis: 2026 Analysis

Low Risk Updated March 2026 650,000 residents
See Best Filters for Memphis
82
Purity Score

This report analyzes Memphis's tap water across five key indicators: PFAS, lead, hardness, chlorine, and TDS. Each section links to deeper data and filter options suited to TN water conditions.

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
ND
Lead
1.5 ppb
Nitrate
0.3 mg/L
Arsenic
0.2 mg/L
Hardness
2.6 gpg

Health Insights

  • 1
    Chlorine levels may affect the taste of Memphis's tap water. A carbon filter improves flavor.

Score

82 /100
Good
"Good" threshold (70)

Memphis tap water is sourced from Memphis Aquifer groundwater and treated by Memphis Light Gas and Water. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

Fix Your Water

Best filters matched to Memphis's 2 issues.

See Filters

Explore Memphis Water Data

PFAS Levels in MemphisPFAS testing data
Memphis Lead LevelsLead testing data
Water Hardness in MemphisHardness levels
Best FiltersFull comparison
TennesseeState rankings

Memphis Water FAQ

Is Memphis TN tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Memphis tap water meets EPA federal drinking water standards and scores 82/100 (Good) on PurityMap for 2026. For most healthy adults the water is considered safe but point-of-use filtration adds an important layer of protection.
Does Memphis TN use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Memphis uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.3 ppm. Chloramine is harder to remove than free chlorine and requires a catalytic carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Standard Brita-style pitchers will NOT remove chloramine.
How hard is Memphis TN water and what is the TDS level?
Memphis water hardness is 2.6 grains per gallon (soft) with a TDS of 115 ppm (good). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in Memphis TN drinking water?
Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in Memphis drinking water.
What is the best water filter for Memphis?
Based on Memphis's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Memphis has elevated chlorine residuals. An under-sink carbon filter removes chlorine and disinfection byproducts at the tap.

Nearby Reports

NashvilleTennessee — 82/100KnoxvilleTennessee — 82/100ChattanoogaTennessee — 82/100ClarksvilleTennessee — 82/100MurfreesboroTennessee — 82/100FranklinTennessee — 82/100

All Tennessee cities

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • Memphis Light Gas and Water CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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