Is Bluff City, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.3/100
waterverge.com Bluff City, TN — Water Quality Report
Bluff City's drinking water received a grade of B (75.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,763 residents using ground water under influence.
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 93 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bluff City's water
Bluff City ranks #248 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Bluff City 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, Bluff City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bluff City, TN water safe to drink?
Bluff City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,763 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bluff City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bluff City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3217). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-366). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bluff City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bluff City's water system has 93 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sullivan County has experienced 2 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 Doe River, Watauga River.
Where does Bluff City's water come from?
Bluff City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,763 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Doe River (river), Watauga River (river).
What Bluff City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bluff City'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bluff City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bluff City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POLYMER INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS PINEY FLATS, TN37686 | Zinc compounds | 5 | 1.6 mi |
AMERICAN WATER HEATER CO JOHNSON CITY, TN37601 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
ALEMITE JOHNSON CITY, TN37601 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
SEAMAN CORP-BRISTOL PLANT BRISTOL, TN37620 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
BRISTOL METALS LP BRISTOL, TN37620 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSullivan 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
Sullivan County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bluff City compares by contaminant
Explore where Bluff City ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bluff City's water comes from
Bluff City'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 2,763 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bluff City
Bluff City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bluff City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLUFF CITY WATER DEPARTMENT | TN0000061 | 2,763 | GU |
How Bluff City compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Bluff City's score of 75.3/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Bluff City, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bluff City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sullivan
Frequently asked questions
Is Bluff City, TN tap water safe to drink?
Bluff City's water quality earned a grade of B (75.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #248 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Bluff City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 93 violations are on record.
How is Bluff City'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 Bluff City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bluff City's water come from?
Bluff City's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,763 residents.
What health violations has Bluff City's water system had?
Bluff City has 4 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bluff City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bluff City 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 93 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 Bluff City's water compare to other cities?
Bluff City ranks #248 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 17% of state cities) and #9627 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bluff City's small water system affect quality?
Bluff City's system serves approximately 2,763 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 93 violations on record.