D
50

Poor Water Quality

Graysville, TN 37338

Rhea County · Population served: 47,736 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
NORTHWEST UTILITY DISTRICT
Surface water · Pop. 20,794
PWSID: TN0000169
🏔
DAYTON WATER DEPT
Surface water · Pop. 25,054
PWSID: TN0000174
🌊
GRAYSVILLE WATER DEPT
Groundwater · Pop. 1,888
PWSID: TN0000269

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
2.6
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

39Total (5yr)
24Health-Based
6Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Graysville

Tap water quality in Graysville, Tennessee (37338) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 50 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 31 points below the Tennessee state average of 81. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 47,736 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 39 violations, including 24 health-based violations.

Your Score 50/100 D
vs State 31 pts below Tennessee avg (81)
vs National 25 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 50/100 signals poor water quality in Graysville, TN. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Graysville, Tennessee receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 50/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.

ZIP code 37338 is served by 3 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 47,736 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Lead was detected at 2.6 ppb in Graysville, Tennessee. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Graysville, Tennessee during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Graysville, Tennessee have received 39 violations in the last 5 years, including 24 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead), residents in Graysville, Tennessee should consider: NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter — specifically rated for lead reduction. Pitcher filters (like Brita Longlast or PUR) and under-sink systems both work. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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