Is Gates, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com Gates, TN — Water Quality Report
Gates's drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 670 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.9 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 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gates's water
Gates ranks #82 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Gates purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Gates may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gates, TN water safe to drink?
Gates's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 670 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gates
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gates's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Gates's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gates's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lauderdale County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Gates's water come from?
Gates's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 670 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gates residents can do
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Gates'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 Gates
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gates, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CRAFCO INC. - HALLS HALLS, TN38040 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtLauderdale 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
Lauderdale County has experienced 5 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. | 4.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gates compares by contaminant
Explore where Gates ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gates's water comes from
Gates purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Gates's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 670 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Gates
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATES WATER DEPT | TN0000255 | 670 | GWP |
How Gates compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Gates's score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Gates, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gates's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lauderdale
Frequently asked questions
Is Gates, TN tap water safe to drink?
Gates's water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #82 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Gates's water?
Lead was measured at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Gates'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 Gates?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gates's water come from?
Gates's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 670 residents.
What health violations has Gates's water system had?
Gates has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gates's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gates 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 13 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 Gates's water compare to other cities?
Gates ranks #82 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 73% of state cities) and #2213 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gates's small water system affect quality?
Gates's system serves approximately 670 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.