B75/100
Johnson City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 105,057 residents · Tennessee
What's In Johnson City'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)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: February 4, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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
JOHNSON CITY WATER DEPT
Population Served
105,057
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000331
Frequently Asked Questions About Johnson City Water
Is Johnson City tap water safe to drink?
Johnson City, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of B (75/100), which is considered good. 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 Johnson City's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Johnson City'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 Johnson City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Johnson City has 22 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Johnson City?
Johnson City 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 Johnson City's tap water come from?
Johnson City's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by JOHNSON CITY WATER DEPT. The system serves approximately 105,057 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Johnson City'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. Johnson City'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 Johnson City's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Johnson City's water quality score of 75/100 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 Johnson City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Johnson City'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 (JOHNSON CITY 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.