Is Big Sandy, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.4/100
waterverge.com Big Sandy, TN — Water Quality Report
Big Sandy's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,920 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 19 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Big Sandy's water
Big Sandy ranks #144 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Big Sandy 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, Big Sandy may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Big Sandy, TN water safe to drink?
Big Sandy's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,920 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Big Sandy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Big Sandy's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3217). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Big Sandy'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
Big Sandy's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton 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.
Where does Big Sandy's water come from?
Big Sandy's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,920 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Big Sandy residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Big Sandy'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBenton 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
Benton 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 Big Sandy'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.800 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Big Sandy compares by contaminant
Explore where Big Sandy ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Big Sandy's water comes from
Big Sandy'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 1,920 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Big Sandy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIG SANDY WATER DEPARTMENT | TN0000051 | 1,170 | GW |
| HARBOR UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000055 | 750 | GW |
How Big Sandy compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Big Sandy's score of 86.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Big Sandy, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Big Sandy's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Big Sandy, TN tap water safe to drink?
Big Sandy's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #144 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Big Sandy's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Big Sandy'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 Big Sandy?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Big Sandy's water come from?
Big Sandy's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,920 residents.
Is Big Sandy's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Big Sandy 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 19 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 Big Sandy's water compare to other cities?
Big Sandy ranks #144 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 52% of state cities) and #4717 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.