Is Gainesboro, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Gainesboro, TN — Water Quality Report
Gainesboro's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 10,710 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 122 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gainesboro's water
Gainesboro ranks #296 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 37 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gainesboro, TN water safe to drink?
Gainesboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 10,710 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gainesboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gainesboro's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4427). 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 Gainesboro's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gainesboro's water system has 122 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 37 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Jennings Creek.
Where does Gainesboro's water come from?
Gainesboro's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 10,710 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Jennings Creek (river).
What Gainesboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gainesboro'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.
Gainesboro'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 Gainesboro
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gainesboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 53,669 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NIELSEN MOULDING LLC GAINESBORO, TN38562 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 53,669 | 1.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtJackson 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
Jackson County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Gainesboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Gainesboro ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gainesboro's water comes from
Gainesboro'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 10,710 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Gainesboro
Gainesboro 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 Gainesboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JACKSON COUNTY U.D. #3 | TN0000845 | 3,751 | SWP |
| JACKSON COUNTY U.D. #2 | TN0000817 | 2,354 | SWP |
| JACKSON COUNTY U.D. #4 | TN0000859 | 2,323 | GUP |
| GAINESBORO WATER SYSTEM | TN0000251 | 1,596 | SW |
| JACKSON COUNTY U.D. #1 | TN0000252 | 686 | SWP |
How Gainesboro compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Gainesboro's score of 46/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Gainesboro, TN
Wikipedia →Gainesboro is a town in and the county seat of Jackson County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 920 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gainesboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Gainesboro, TN tap water safe to drink?
Gainesboro's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #296 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Gainesboro's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 122 violations are on record.
How is Gainesboro'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 Gainesboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gainesboro's water come from?
Gainesboro's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 10,710 residents.
What health violations has Gainesboro's water system had?
Gainesboro has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
How does Gainesboro's water compare to other cities?
Gainesboro ranks #296 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 1% of state cities) and #13934 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.