A81/100
Etowah Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 12,851 residents · Tennessee
What's In Etowah'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
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2021.
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
ETOWAH UTILITIES
Population Served
12,851
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000233
Frequently Asked Questions About Etowah Water
Is Etowah tap water safe to drink?
Etowah, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of A (81/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 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 Etowah's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Etowah'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 Etowah have any water quality violations?
Yes, Etowah has 12 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Etowah?
Etowah 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 Etowah's tap water come from?
Etowah's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by ETOWAH UTILITIES. The system serves approximately 12,851 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Etowah'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. Etowah'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 Etowah's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Etowah's water quality score of 81/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Etowah among the better-performing water systems in Tennessee. Visit our Tennessee state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Etowah's water quality?
If you have concerns about Etowah'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 (ETOWAH UTILITIES) 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.