C43/100
Dover Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 10,020 residents · Tennessee
What's In Dover's Tap Water?
31
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
5
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
2
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: December 10, 2021 – March 10, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: July 18, 2021 – March 10, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – July 1, 2022Enforcement: 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
DOVER WATER DEPT
Population Served
4,037
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000193
NORTH STEWART UTILITY DISTRICT
Population Served
5,983
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000195
Frequently Asked Questions About Dover Water
Is Dover tap water safe to drink?
Dover, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of C (43/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 40 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Dover's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Dover'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 Dover have any water quality violations?
Yes, Dover has 40 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MCL, Other, MON. 17 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Dover?
Dover 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 Dover's tap water come from?
Dover's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by DOVER WATER DEPT and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 10,020 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Dover'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. Dover'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 Dover's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Dover's water quality score of 43/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Tennessee state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Dover's water quality?
If you have concerns about Dover'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 (DOVER 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.