Is Bethel Springs, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.2/100
waterverge.com Bethel Springs, TN — Water Quality Report
Bethel Springs's drinking water received a grade of A (91.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 944 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 16 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bethel Springs's water
Bethel Springs ranks #70 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Bethel Springs 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, Bethel Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bethel Springs, TN water safe to drink?
Bethel Springs's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 944 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bethel Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bethel Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Bethel Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bethel Springs's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McNairy County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Bethel Springs's water come from?
Bethel Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 944 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bethel Springs 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.
Bethel Springs'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 Bethel Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bethel Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 12 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PHILLIPS 66 SELMER LUBRICANTS PLANT SELMER, TN38375 | Zinc compounds | 12 | 5.6 mi |
INDUSTRIAL CONNECTIONS & SOLUTIONS LLC SELMER, TN38375 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
MONOGRAM REFRIGERATION LLC SELMER, TN38375 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
UNITED STAINLESS INC SELMER, TN38375 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
MONOGRAM REFRIGERATION LLC SELMER, TN38375 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMcNairy 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
McNairy County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bethel Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Bethel Springs ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bethel Springs's water comes from
Bethel Springs'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 944 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bethel Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BETHEL SPRINGS WATER SYSTEM | TN0000050 | 944 | GW |
How Bethel Springs compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Bethel Springs's score of 91.2/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Bethel Springs, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bethel Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mcnairy
Frequently asked questions
Is Bethel Springs, TN tap water safe to drink?
Bethel Springs's water quality earned a grade of A (91.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #70 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Bethel Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Bethel Springs'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 Bethel Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bethel Springs's water come from?
Bethel Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 944 residents.
What health violations has Bethel Springs's water system had?
Bethel Springs has 1 health-based violation 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 Bethel Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bethel Springs 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 16 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 Bethel Springs's water compare to other cities?
Bethel Springs ranks #70 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 77% of state cities) and #1834 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bethel Springs's small water system affect quality?
Bethel Springs's system serves approximately 944 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 16 violations on record.