Is Cumberland City, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Cumberland City, TN — Water Quality Report
Cumberland City'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 1,023 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 13 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cumberland City's water
Cumberland City ranks #166 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.
As a small community water system, Cumberland City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cumberland City, TN water safe to drink?
Cumberland City'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 1,023 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cumberland City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cumberland City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3321). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Cumberland City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cumberland City's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stewart County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Yellow Creek.
Where does Cumberland City's water come from?
Cumberland City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,023 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Yellow Creek (river).
What Cumberland City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cumberland 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.
Cumberland City'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 Cumberland City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cumberland City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 145,077 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. TVA CUMBERLAND FOSSIL PLANT CUMBERLAND CITY, TN37050 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 145,077 | 1.4 mi |
GEORGIA-PACIFIC GYPSUM LLC CUMBERLAND CITY, TN37050 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtStewart 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
Stewart County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Cumberland City compares by contaminant
Explore where Cumberland City ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cumberland City's water comes from
Cumberland City'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 1,023 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cumberland City
Cumberland City 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 Cumberland City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUMBERLAND CITY WATER DEPT | TN0000162 | 1,023 | SWP |
How Cumberland City compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Cumberland City'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 Cumberland City, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cumberland City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stewart
Frequently asked questions
Is Cumberland City, TN tap water safe to drink?
Cumberland City'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 #166 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Cumberland City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Cumberland 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 Cumberland City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cumberland City's water come from?
Cumberland City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,023 residents.
How does Cumberland City's water compare to other cities?
Cumberland City ranks #166 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 44% of state cities) and #5401 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 Cumberland City's small water system affect quality?
Cumberland City's system serves approximately 1,023 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 13 violations on record.