F0/100
Chapel Hill Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 3,426 residents · Tennessee
What's In Chapel Hill's Tap Water?
8
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
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: March 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – July 8, 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
CHAPEL HILL WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
3,426
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000104
Frequently Asked Questions About Chapel Hill Water
Is Chapel Hill tap water safe to drink?
Chapel Hill, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 56 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Chapel Hill's water?
Of the 8 contaminants tested in Chapel Hill'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 Chapel Hill have any water quality violations?
Yes, Chapel Hill has 56 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MON, Other, MR. 43 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill's tap water come from?
Chapel Hill's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by CHAPEL HILL WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 3,426 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Chapel Hill'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. Chapel Hill'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 Chapel Hill's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Chapel Hill'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 Chapel Hill's water quality?
If you have concerns about Chapel Hill'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 (CHAPEL HILL WATER SYSTEM) 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.