TapSafetyReport
C45/100

St. Joseph Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 1,533 residents · Tennessee

What's In St. Joseph's Tap Water?

2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
2.80 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit
Lead (90th percentile)
0.001 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

9

Violations (last 5yr)

3

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – June 28, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: March 9, 2022 – February 6, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021Enforcement: Formal — state order issued

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

ST JOSEPH WATER SYSTEM
Population Served

1,533

Water Source

Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water

System ID

TN0000604

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Joseph Water

Is St. Joseph tap water safe to drink?

St. Joseph, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of C (45/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 36 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in St. Joseph's water?

Of the 2 contaminants tested in St. Joseph'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 St. Joseph have any water quality violations?

Yes, St. Joseph has 36 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, MR, Other. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in St. Joseph?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph's tap water come from?

St. Joseph's drinking water is sourced from groundwater under influence of surface water and supplied by ST JOSEPH WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 1,533 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is St. Joseph'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. St. Joseph'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 St. Joseph's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?

St. Joseph's water quality score of 45/100 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 St. Joseph's water quality?

If you have concerns about St. Joseph'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 (ST JOSEPH WATER SYSTEM) 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.

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