Is Chapel Hill, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Chapel Hill, TN — Water Quality Report
Chapel Hill's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,426 residents using purchased surface water.
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 57 violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chapel Hill's water
Chapel Hill ranks #172 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it below average 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chapel Hill, TN water safe to drink?
Chapel Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,426 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chapel Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chapel Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4427). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment 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 Chapel Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chapel Hill's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 43 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall 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 Duck River, Duck River Above Milltown.
Where does Chapel Hill's water come from?
Chapel Hill's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,426 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Duck River (river), Duck River Above Milltown (river).
What Chapel Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chapel Hill'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.
Chapel Hill'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMarshall 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
Marshall 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chapel Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Chapel Hill ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chapel Hill's water comes from
Chapel Hill'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 3,426 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Chapel Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHAPEL HILL WATER SYSTEM | TN0000104 | 3,426 | SWP |
How Chapel Hill compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Chapel Hill's score of 85.1/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Chapel Hill, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chapel Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marshall
Frequently asked questions
Is Chapel Hill, TN tap water safe to drink?
Chapel Hill's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #172 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Chapel Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Chapel Hill'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 Chapel Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chapel Hill's water come from?
Chapel Hill's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,426 residents.
What health violations has Chapel Hill's water system had?
Chapel Hill has 43 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chapel Hill's water compare to other cities?
Chapel Hill ranks #172 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 42% of state cities) and #5498 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.