C42/100
Elizabethton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 52,858 residents · Tennessee
What's In Elizabethton's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 820.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2010.
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
FIRST U.D. OF CARTER COUNTY
Population Served
9,143
Water Source
Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water
System ID
TN0000094
ELIZABETHTON WATER DEPT
Population Served
32,490
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000221
NORTH ELIZABETHTON WATER CO-OP
Population Served
1,752
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000223
SIAM UTILITY DISTRICT
Population Served
3,319
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000633
SOUTH ELIZABETHTON U.D.
Population Served
6,154
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000646
Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabethton Water
Is Elizabethton tap water safe to drink?
Elizabethton, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of C (42/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 177 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Elizabethton's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Elizabethton's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Elizabethton have any water quality violations?
Yes, Elizabethton has 177 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 23 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Elizabethton?
Elizabethton 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Elizabethton's tap water come from?
Elizabethton's drinking water is sourced from groundwater under influence of surface water and supplied by FIRST U.D. OF CARTER COUNTY and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 52,858 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Elizabethton'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. Elizabethton'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 Elizabethton's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Elizabethton's water quality score of 42/100 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 Elizabethton's water quality?
If you have concerns about Elizabethton'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 (FIRST U.D. OF CARTER COUNTY) 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.