Is Bell Buckle, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.4/100
waterverge.com Bell Buckle, TN — Water Quality Report
Bell Buckle's drinking water received a grade of B (78.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,633 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 32 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bell Buckle's water
Bell Buckle ranks #230 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Bell Buckle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bell Buckle, TN water safe to drink?
Bell Buckle's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,633 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bell Buckle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bell Buckle's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4427). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3217). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bell Buckle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bell Buckle's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bedford County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Wartrace Creek Below County Road, Duck River.
Where does Bell Buckle's water come from?
Bell Buckle's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,633 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Wartrace Creek Below County Road (river), Duck River (river).
What Bell Buckle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bell Buckle's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Bell Buckle's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bell Buckle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bell Buckle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MARELLI N.A. INC. - SHELBYVILLE SHELBYVILLE, TN37160 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
COOPER'S STEEL FABRICATORS SHELBYVILLE, TN37160 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBedford County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Bedford County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bell Buckle's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bell Buckle compares by contaminant
Explore where Bell Buckle ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bell Buckle's water comes from
Bell Buckle's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,633 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bell Buckle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELL BUCKLE WATER SYSTEM | TN0000044 | 2,633 | SWP |
How Bell Buckle compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Bell Buckle's score of 78.4/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Bell Buckle, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bell Buckle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bedford
Frequently asked questions
Is Bell Buckle, TN tap water safe to drink?
Bell Buckle's water quality earned a grade of B (78.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #230 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Bell Buckle's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Bell Buckle's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bell Buckle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bell Buckle's water come from?
Bell Buckle's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,633 residents.
What health violations has Bell Buckle's water system had?
Bell Buckle has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bell Buckle's water compare to other cities?
Bell Buckle ranks #230 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 23% of state cities) and #8693 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bell Buckle's small water system affect quality?
Bell Buckle's system serves approximately 2,633 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 32 violations on record.