B66/100
Newbern Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,535 residents · Tennessee
What's In Newbern'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) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
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
NEWBERN WATER DEPT
Population Served
9,535
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
TN0000496
Frequently Asked Questions About Newbern Water
Is Newbern tap water safe to drink?
Newbern, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of B (66/100), which is considered good. Out of 31 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 Newbern's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Newbern'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 Newbern have any water quality violations?
Yes, Newbern has 31 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Newbern?
Newbern 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 Newbern's tap water come from?
Newbern's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by NEWBERN WATER DEPT. The system serves approximately 9,535 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Newbern'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. Newbern'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 Newbern's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Newbern's water quality score of 66/100 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 Newbern's water quality?
If you have concerns about Newbern'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 (NEWBERN 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.