B69/100
Cookeville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 84,376 residents · Tennessee
What's In Cookeville's Tap Water?
69
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
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – July 25, 2022Enforcement: 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
BANGHAM UTILITY DISTRICT
Population Served
7,906
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000038
BRISTOL-BLUFF CITY U.D.
Population Served
6,268
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000079
COOKEVILLE WATER DEPT
Population Served
48,455
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000133
COOKEVILLE BOAT DOCK RD U.D.
Population Served
8,966
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000134
OLD GAINESBORO ROAD U.D.
Population Served
6,214
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000135
DOUBLE SPRINGS U.D.
Population Served
6,567
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000192
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookeville Water
Is Cookeville tap water safe to drink?
Cookeville, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of B (69/100), which is considered good. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Cookeville's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Cookeville'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 Cookeville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cookeville has 157 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cookeville?
Cookeville 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 Cookeville's tap water come from?
Cookeville's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by BANGHAM UTILITY DISTRICT and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 84,376 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Cookeville'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. Cookeville'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 Cookeville's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Cookeville's water quality score of 69/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Tennessee state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cookeville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cookeville'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 (BANGHAM UTILITY DISTRICT) 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.