Nashville Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Nashville residents — your tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards. At just 96.9 ppm (5.7 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 9 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
5.7 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Nashville Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Nashville tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.
8 contaminants were tested in Nashville's water. 6 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 44.8 ppb — 56% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.68 ppm (17% of EPA limit).
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in available test data.
Lead — Lead (1.28 ppb) is at 9% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 2 water utilities serving 843K people in the Nashville area.
Based on publicly available data from MWS 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2023). 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?
Nashville 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 Nashville Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
1 ppb
65% below average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
100.5 ppm
21% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is Nashville Water?
96.9 ppm
5.7 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Range: 88.5–128.4 ppm
Based on 27 samples from MWS 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2023)
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 Nashville 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 Nashville
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
1.28 ppb
Nashville 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
43% of EPA limit
Range: 0.8–2.7 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
8 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
0.68 ppm Range: 0.61-0.75 | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 17% of limit | |
0.18 ppm Range: 0.126-0.249 | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 2% of limit | |
44.8 ppb Range: 14.2-65.3 Highest LRAA | 80 ppb | Caution 56% of limit | |
28.7 ppb Range: 11.5-35.8 Highest LRAA | 60 ppb | Safe 48% of limit | |
Chlorine | 1.7 ppm Range: 0.8-2.7 | 4 ppm | Safe 43% of limit |
Sodium | 9.97 ppm Range: 7.8-11.3 Unregulated contaminant | N/A | Safe |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/8 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/8 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
9
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
9
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 Nashville's Water?
Utility Name
METRO WATER SERVICES
EPA System ID (PWSID)
TN0000494
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
843K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nashville tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
Memphis
Soft 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: MWS 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (2023) • View report