Tennessee Water Quality Report 2026

7 cities2,125,744 residentsUpdated March 2026

B82/100State Average
Tennessee has 7 cities in our database, serving approximately 2,125,744 residents. The average PurityMap score is 82.0/100 (Grade: B), which is 4.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Memphis has the cleanest water (82/100) while Memphis scores lowest (82/100) due to lower overall score.
Is Tennessee Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Safe to Drink

Tennessee tap water is safe to drink based on our analysis of 7 water systems serving 2,125,744 residents. The average PurityMap score is 82.0/100 (Grade: B), which is 4.1 points above the national average.

  • 7 cities use chloramine or have elevated chlorine residuals. Standard Brita pitchers do not remove chloramine.
Our Recommendation

Tennessee water is generally good quality. A carbon pitcher or faucet filter removes chlorine taste and provides extra protection. No major filtration investment is needed for most residents.

All 7 cities in Tennessee meet EPA federal drinking water standards as of 2026. However, EPA standards set legal limits — not health goals. Many contaminants are detected at levels that are legal but may still pose long-term health risks according to independent health organizations like the EWG.
Tennessee at a Glance
82Avg Purity Score
4.8Avg Hardness (GPG)
Moderate
0Cities with PFAS
0Cities with Hard Water
2.1Avg Lead (ppb)
169Avg TDS (ppm)

Tennessee is 4.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 1.5 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.

Best & Worst Water in Tennessee
Consistent Quality

All 7 cities score similarly

82/100
Score Distribution

How Tennessee's 7 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:

Excellent (85–100)
0 cities
Good (70–84)
7 cities
Moderate (60–69)
0 cities
Poor (below 60)
0 cities
Largest Cities in Tennessee — Water Quality

Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.








CityPopulationScoreHardnessKey Issues
Nashville700K 82/1005.7 GPG—
Memphis650K 82/1002.6 GPG—
Knoxville190K 82/1004.6 GPG—
Chattanooga183K 82/1005.2 GPG—
Clarksville167K 82/1005.5 GPG—
Murfreesboro153K 82/1005.0 GPG—
Franklin83K 82/1004.8 GPG—
Hard Water in Tennessee

Tennessee generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 4.8 GPG (Moderate). Most residents do not need a softener.

PFAS in Tennessee Water

Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Tennessee cities in our database as of 2026.

Lead in Tennessee Water

All Tennessee cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 2.1 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.

Water Sources in Tennessee

Where Tennessee gets its drinking water, based on 7 water systems.



Source TypeCities% of Total
Surface Water686%
Groundwater114%
Recommended Filter for Tennessee

Tennessee water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.

All Tennessee Cities — Ranked
#CityPop.ScoreHardnessLeadPFASTDS
1Memphis650K 82/1002.6 GPG (Soft)1.5 ppb✅ No115 ppm
2Nashville700K 82/1005.7 GPG (Moderate)2.5 ppb✅ No200 ppm
3Knoxville190K 82/1004.6 GPG (Moderate)2.0 ppb✅ No160 ppm
4Chattanooga183K 82/1005.2 GPG (Moderate)2.5 ppb✅ No180 ppm
5Clarksville167K 82/1005.5 GPG (Moderate)2.2 ppb✅ No190 ppm
6Murfreesboro153K 82/1005.0 GPG (Moderate)2.0 ppb✅ No175 ppm
7Franklin83K 82/1004.8 GPG (Moderate)1.8 ppb✅ No165 ppm
Water Utilities in Tennessee

Tennessee has 7 utilities. Major: Memphis Light Gas and Water, Metro Water Services Nashville, Knoxville Utilities Board, Tennessee American Water, Clarksville Gas and Water.

Sources: Memphis Aquifer groundwater, Cumberland River, Tennessee River Fort Loudoun Lake, Tennessee River, Stones River and J. Percy Priest Reservoir.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the best water in Tennessee?
Memphis scores highest at 82/100. Source: Memphis Aquifer groundwater.
Which city has the worst water in Tennessee?
Memphis scores lowest at 82/100 due to lower overall score.
Is Tennessee water hard or soft?
Average hardness: 4.8 GPG (Moderate). 1.5 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG. 0 of 7 cities have hard/very hard water.
Has PFAS been found in Tennessee water?
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Tennessee cities in our database as of 2026.
What water filter should I use in Tennessee?
Tennessee water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
How does Tennessee water compare to the US average?
Score: 82.0/100 (4.1 points above US avg 77.9). Hardness: 4.8 GPG (1.5 GPG below US avg 6.3).
Where does Tennessee get its drinking water?Where does Tennessee get its drinking water?
Tennessee water comes from: Surface Water: 6 cities (86%), Groundwater: 1 cities (14%).
Data Sources & Methodology
  • EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
  • USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

How we analyze water Data sources
All Tennessee Cities with Water Reports

7 city water quality reports available for Tennessee.

7 Reports
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Showing all 7 cities
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