Is Cowan, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper, Strontium and 1 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Cowan, TN — Water Quality Report
Cowan's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,587 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 11 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cowan's water
Cowan ranks #164 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Cowan 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 1.50 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Cowan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cowan, TN water safe to drink?
Cowan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,587 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cowan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cowan's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3217). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-889). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cowan'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
Cowan's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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 Elk River.
Where does Cowan's water come from?
Cowan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,587 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Elk River (river).
What Cowan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cowan'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.
Cowan'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 Cowan
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cowan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NISSAN N.A. INC. DECHERD, TN37324 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
TYSON FARMS INC. - ESTILL SPRINGS FEED MILL ESTILL SPRINGS, TN37330 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
TEPRO INC WINCHESTER, TN37398 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
ZANINI TENNESSEE INC. WINCHESTER, TN37398 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
CST STORAGE WINCHESTER, TN37398 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFranklin 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
Franklin 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cowan'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. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.600 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cowan compares by contaminant
Explore where Cowan ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cowan's water comes from
Cowan'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 2,587 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cowan
Cowan is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cowan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COWAN BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES | TN0000146 | 2,587 | GU |
How Cowan compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Cowan's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Cowan, TN
Wikipedia →Cowan is a city in Franklin County, Tennessee, United States. As of the 2020 census, Cowan had a population of 1,759. It is part of the Tullahoma, Tennessee Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cowan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Cowan, TN tap water safe to drink?
Cowan's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #164 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Cowan's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Cowan'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 Cowan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cowan's water come from?
Cowan's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,587 residents.
What health violations has Cowan's water system had?
Cowan has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cowan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cowan 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 11 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 Cowan's water compare to other cities?
Cowan ranks #164 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 45% of state cities) and #5388 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cowan's small water system affect quality?
Cowan's system serves approximately 2,587 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 11 violations on record.