B75/100
Manchester Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 36,300 residents · Tennessee
What's In Manchester's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.012 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
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 1999.
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
MANCHESTER WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
24,975
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000429
HILLSVILLE UTILITY DISTRICT
Population Served
11,325
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000430
Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester Water
Is Manchester tap water safe to drink?
Manchester, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of B (75/100), which is considered good. Out of 69 contaminants tested, 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 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 Manchester's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Manchester's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Lead (90th percentile). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Manchester have any water quality violations?
Yes, Manchester has 8 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Manchester?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Manchester is recommended. 2 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 Manchester's tap water come from?
Manchester's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by MANCHESTER WATER DEPARTMENT and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 36,300 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Manchester'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. Manchester'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 Manchester's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Manchester'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 Manchester's water quality?
If you have concerns about Manchester'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 (MANCHESTER WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.