TapSafetyReport
C48/100

Nashville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 15,269 residents · North Carolina

What's In Nashville's Tap Water?

31
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOS
0.008 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit
PFOA
0.005 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit

EPA Violation History

6

Violations (last 5yr)

2

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – February 7, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023 – July 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – October 14, 2021Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

NASHVILLE, TOWN OF
Population Served

5,900

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

NC0464020

CENTRAL NASH WATER & SEWER
Population Served

7,675

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

NC4064005

NORTHERN NASH WATER DISTRICT
Population Served

1,694

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

NC4064035

Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Water

Is Nashville tap water safe to drink?

Nashville, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (48/100), which is considered fair. 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 236 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Nashville's water?

Of the 52 contaminants tested in Nashville's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFHxS, Copper (90th percentile), PFOA, chlorate. 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 5 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Nashville have any water quality violations?

Yes, Nashville has 236 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Nashville?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Nashville is recommended. 4 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Nashville's tap water come from?

Nashville's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by NASHVILLE, TOWN OF and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 15,269 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Nashville's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Nashville's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Nashville's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?

Nashville's water quality score of 48/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Nashville's water quality?

If you have concerns about Nashville's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (NASHVILLE, TOWN OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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