Water Quality: KNOXVILLE, TN
10 water systems • 573,653 people served
No Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
KNOXVILLE is served by 10 public water systems with a combined service population of 573,653 people, and has 166 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. None of those violations are health-based — the records reflect missed monitoring or reporting deadlines rather than a contaminant exceeding safe levels. KNOXVILLE's violation count is 111% above the national average for Tennessee. Contaminants associated with violations include Antimony, Total, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Total, Cadmium.
Contaminants Found
Long-term exposure increases risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological effects.
Common source: Natural rock deposits, agricultural pesticides, industrial waste
EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)
Increases blood pressure and causes cardiovascular effects with long-term exposure.
Common source: Natural rock deposits, oil drilling operations, coal power plant waste
EPA limit: 2 mg/L
Kidney damage with long-term exposure; classified as a probable human carcinogen.
Common source: Corrosion of galvanized pipes, natural deposits, industrial waste, fertilizers
EPA limit: 0.005 mg/L (5 ppb)
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
Hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI) is a known human carcinogen linked to lung and stomach cancers.
Common source: Natural geological deposits, industrial pollution, electroplating discharge
EPA limit: 0.1 mg/L total chromium
At low levels prevents tooth decay; excessive levels cause dental and skeletal fluorosis.
Common source: Natural deposits, water fluoridation programs, some fertilizers
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (secondary standard: 2.0 mg/L)
Damages kidneys and the central nervous system; causes developmental harm to fetuses and infants.
Common source: Natural deposits, industrial discharges, landfill runoff
EPA limit: 0.002 mg/L (2 ppb)
Hair loss, nail brittleness, and nervous system damage at elevated concentrations.
Common source: Natural geological deposits, mining discharges, oil refinery waste
EPA limit: 0.05 mg/L (50 ppb)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving KNOXVILLE
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KNOXVILLE UTILITIES BOARD - KUB | TN0000366 | Surface Water | 254,671 | 12 |
| FIRST U.D. OF KNOX COUNTY | TN0000369 | Surface Water | 115,531 | 0 |
| HALLSDALE-POWELL U.D. | TN0000280 | Surface Water | 84,315 | 48 |
| WEST KNOX UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000371 | Surface Water | 77,825 | 8 |
| KNOX-CHAPMAN UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000367 | Surface Water | 41,311 | 98 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Tennessee
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.