F0/100
Bluff City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,763 residents · Tennessee
What's In Bluff City's Tap Water?
4
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – July 1, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: July 23, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – July 26, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – July 1, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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, 2022 – March 22, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – September 27, 2023Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
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
BLUFF CITY WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
2,763
Water Source
Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water
System ID
TN0000061
Frequently Asked Questions About Bluff City Water
Is Bluff City tap water safe to drink?
Bluff City, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 91 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Bluff City's water?
Of the 4 contaminants tested in Bluff City's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Bluff City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bluff City has 91 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bluff City?
Bluff City water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Bluff City's tap water come from?
Bluff City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater under influence of surface water and supplied by BLUFF CITY WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 2,763 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Bluff City'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. Bluff City'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 Bluff City's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Bluff City's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Tennessee state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Bluff City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bluff City'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 (BLUFF CITY WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.