F0/100
Clifton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 4,110 residents · Tennessee
What's In Clifton's Tap Water?
34
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.015 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.009 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
10
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
9
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: May 1, 2021 – May 31, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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
CLIFTON WATER DEPT
Population Served
4,110
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000119
Frequently Asked Questions About Clifton Water
Is Clifton tap water safe to drink?
Clifton, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 78 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Clifton's water?
Of the 34 contaminants tested in Clifton's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Clifton have any water quality violations?
Yes, Clifton has 78 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MCL, MR, TT. 14 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Clifton?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Clifton is recommended. 2 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 Clifton's tap water come from?
Clifton's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CLIFTON WATER DEPT. The system serves approximately 4,110 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Clifton'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. Clifton'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 Clifton's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Clifton'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 Clifton's water quality?
If you have concerns about Clifton'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 (CLIFTON WATER DEPT) 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.