C48/100
Oak Ridge Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 46,975 residents · Tennessee
What's In Oak Ridge'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) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: March 1, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment 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
OAK RIDGE DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Population Served
41,614
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000522
OLIVER SPRINGS WATER BOARD
Population Served
5,361
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TN0000523
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Ridge Water
Is Oak Ridge tap water safe to drink?
Oak Ridge, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of C (48/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 90 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Oak Ridge's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Oak Ridge'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 Oak Ridge have any water quality violations?
Yes, Oak Ridge has 90 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include TT, Other, MR. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Oak Ridge?
Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge's tap water come from?
Oak Ridge's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by OAK RIDGE DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 46,975 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Oak Ridge'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. Oak Ridge'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 Oak Ridge's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Oak Ridge's water quality score of 48/100 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 Oak Ridge's water quality?
If you have concerns about Oak Ridge'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 (OAK RIDGE DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS) 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.