Record-only indicator: A
Not a safety rating. Missing or old measurements can produce a high score.
Coverage: 1/1 mapped systems have a dated lead result; 1/1 have copper results; 1/1 have UCMR monitoring.
| Contaminant | Reported value or bound | Historical comparison value | Interpretation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
1.0 ppbPeriod end: 12/31/2025
|
15 ppb | Largest reported value or bound among mapped systems; not necessarily the largest actual concentration. | At/below comparison value |
| Copper |
1900.0 ppbPeriod end: 12/31/2007
|
1300 ppb | Largest reported value or bound among mapped systems; not necessarily the largest actual concentration. | Above comparison value |
UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Interpretation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBS | 9.5 ppt | No standard | 100 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
| PFBA | 8.5 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
Public-record summary
Record-only indicator — incomplete or old records can produce a high score. A score of 100 is not a safety finding. Coverage: 1/1 mapped systems have a dated lead result; 1/1 have copper results; 1/1 have UCMR monitoring. Tap water quality in Chattanooga, Tennessee (37404) receives an record-only indicator of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 90 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Tennessee state average of 90. The area is served by Tennessee American Water, a surface water system providing water to approximately 207,046 people. Testing has found elevated levels of Copper that warrant attention. PFAS testing detected 2 compounds, all below the EPA final MCL values used for comparison. The area has a clean violation record over the past 5 years — a positive indicator of consistent water quality management.
Grade A summarizes the records available to this model, not household safety. Missing, bounded or old measurements can produce a high score, including 100. Review coverage, dates and the current utility report before interpreting this indicator.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
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.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
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.
Copper can leach into water from copper plumbing, especially in newer homes or when water is acidic.
Short-term exposure above 1,300 ppb can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.
Copper pipes, fittings, and faucets are the most common source. Corrosive (low-pH) water accelerates copper leaching.
If copper levels are elevated, flush pipes by running water for 15–30 seconds before use. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively remove copper.
Common Questions
The record-only indicator is A (90/100). It cannot determine whether your tap water is safe. Missing, bounded or old measurements can produce a high score. Check the coverage and sampling dates below and your utility's current notices.
ZIP code 37404 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 207,046 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
The largest reported lead value or bound is 1.0 ppb, for the sampling period ending 12/31/2025. This is a system-level 90th-percentile record, not a measurement at your tap. Compare the sampling date and original utility report before interpreting it.
2 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Chattanooga, Tennessee, with no result above the individual comparison values shown here; some compounds have no individual federal MCL. This comparison is informational: federal compliance timelines and the status of some PFAS standards are still evolving. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce some PFAS when appropriately certified and maintained.
Water systems serving Chattanooga, Tennessee have zero violations in the last 5 years. No recorded violation does not establish compliance or tap-water safety; records may be delayed or incomplete.
This public-record indicator cannot select household treatment. Confirm your supplier, current utility report and tap-testing results first; match any treatment to a certified contaminant-reduction claim and follow its maintenance instructions.
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