C52/100
Monterey Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 8,610 residents · Tennessee
What's In Monterey's Tap Water?
31
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)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2021 – July 25, 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
MONTEREY WATER DEPT
Population Served
5,072
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000471
EAST FORK U.D.
Population Served
3,538
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000853
Frequently Asked Questions About Monterey Water
Is Monterey tap water safe to drink?
Monterey, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of C (52/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 65 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Monterey's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Monterey'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 Monterey have any water quality violations?
Yes, Monterey has 65 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Monterey?
Monterey 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 Monterey's tap water come from?
Monterey's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by MONTEREY WATER DEPT and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 8,610 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Monterey'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. Monterey'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 Monterey's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Monterey'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 Monterey's water quality?
If you have concerns about Monterey'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 (MONTEREY 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.