Is Calhoun, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Calhoun, TN — Water Quality Report
Calhoun's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,895 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Calhoun's water
Calhoun ranks #106 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Calhoun may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Calhoun, TN water safe to drink?
Calhoun's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,895 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Calhoun
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Calhoun's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3217). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1022). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Calhoun's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Calhoun's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
McMinn County has experienced 3 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 Oostanaula Creek.
Where does Calhoun's water come from?
Calhoun's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,895 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Oostanaula Creek (river).
What Calhoun residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Calhoun'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.
Calhoun'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 Calhoun
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Calhoun, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 337 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DURACELL CLEVELAND, TN37312 | Manganese compounds | 215 | 9.4 mi |
WACKER POLYSILICON N.A. CHARLESTON, TN37310 | Chlorine | 108 | 2.5 mi |
FORMULATED SOLUTIONS CLEVELAND LLC CLEVELAND, TN37323 | Zinc compounds | 14 | 8.5 mi |
RESOLUTE FP US INC - CALHOUN OPERATIONS CALHOUN, TN37309 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
OLIN CORP CHARLESTON PLANT CHARLESTON, TN37310 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMcMinn 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
McMinn County has experienced 3 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Calhoun compares by contaminant
Explore where Calhoun ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Calhoun's water comes from
Calhoun'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 2,895 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Calhoun
Calhoun is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Calhoun
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CALHOUN-CHARLESTON U.D. | TN0000106 | 2,895 | SWP |
How Calhoun compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Calhoun's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Calhoun, TN
Wikipedia →Calhoun is a town in McMinn County, Tennessee, United States. It is part of the Athens Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was estimated at 536 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Calhoun's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mcminn
Frequently asked questions
Is Calhoun, TN tap water safe to drink?
Calhoun's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #106 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Calhoun's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Calhoun'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 Calhoun?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Calhoun's water come from?
Calhoun's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,895 residents.
How does Calhoun's water compare to other cities?
Calhoun ranks #106 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 65% of state cities) and #3464 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Calhoun's small water system affect quality?
Calhoun's system serves approximately 2,895 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 6 violations on record.