Is Bells, 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 ↓
83.9/100
waterverge.com Bells, TN — Water Quality Report
Bells's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,610 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 12 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bells's water
Bells ranks #190 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bells relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bells may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bells, TN water safe to drink?
Bells's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,610 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bells
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bells's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.9/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Radium-226, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Bells'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
Bells's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crockett County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 South Fork Forked Deer River.
Where does Bells's water come from?
Bells's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,610 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Forked Deer River (river).
What Bells residents can do
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.
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 Bells
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bells, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HITACHI ENERGY ALAMO, TN38001 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
THE PICTSWEET CO - BELLS TN PLANT BELLS, TN38006 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bells
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ALAMO CONTAMINATED GROUND WATER4.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCrockett County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Crockett County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bells'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. | 4.1 | 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. | 2.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.440 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bells compares by contaminant
Explore where Bells ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bells's water comes from
Bells's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,610 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bells
Bells is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bells
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELLS PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000045 | 2,610 | GW |
How Bells compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Bells's score of 83.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Bells, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bells's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crockett
Frequently asked questions
Is Bells, TN tap water safe to drink?
Bells's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #190 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Bells's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Bells'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 Bells?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bells's water come from?
Bells's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,610 residents.
What health violations has Bells's water system had?
Bells 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bells's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bells uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 12 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bells's water compare to other cities?
Bells ranks #190 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 36% of state cities) and #6182 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bells's small water system affect quality?
Bells's system serves approximately 2,610 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 12 violations on record.