C52/100
Franklin Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 185,695 residents · Tennessee
What's In Franklin'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 | 1100.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
3
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: March 1, 2023 – May 15, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: 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 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – August 10, 2023Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – July 20, 2021Enforcement: 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
FRANKLIN WATER DEPT
Population Served
77,222
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000246
MILCROFTON UTILITY DISTRICT
Population Served
38,032
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000247
MALLORY VALLEY U.D.
Population Served
30,347
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000428
H.B.& T.S. UTILITY DISTRICT
Population Served
40,094
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000699
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin Water
Is Franklin tap water safe to drink?
Franklin, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of C (52/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 120 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Franklin's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Franklin'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 Franklin have any water quality violations?
Yes, Franklin has 120 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 25 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Franklin?
Franklin 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 Franklin's tap water come from?
Franklin's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by FRANKLIN WATER DEPT and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 185,695 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Franklin'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. Franklin'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 Franklin's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Franklin's water quality score of 52/100 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 Franklin's water quality?
If you have concerns about Franklin'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 (FRANKLIN 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.