D34/100
Lenoir City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 34,786 residents · Tennessee
What's In Lenoir City's Tap Water?
70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 635.00 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – August 4, 2021Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
LENOIR CITY UTILITY BOARD
Population Served
34,786
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000396
Frequently Asked Questions About Lenoir City Water
Is Lenoir City tap water safe to drink?
Lenoir City, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of D (34/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 43 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Lenoir City's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Lenoir City's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Lenoir City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lenoir City has 43 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lenoir City?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Lenoir City is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Lenoir City's tap water come from?
Lenoir City's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by LENOIR CITY UTILITY BOARD. The system serves approximately 34,786 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lenoir 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. Lenoir 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 Lenoir City's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Lenoir City's water quality score of 34/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Tennessee state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Lenoir City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lenoir 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 (LENOIR CITY UTILITY BOARD) 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.