Is Hornbeak, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.3/100
waterverge.com Hornbeak, TN — Water Quality Report
Hornbeak's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,060 residents using groundwater.
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 49 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hornbeak's water
Hornbeak ranks #213 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hornbeak 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.
As a small community water system, Hornbeak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hornbeak, TN water safe to drink?
Hornbeak's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,060 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hornbeak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hornbeak's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Hornbeak's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hornbeak's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Obion 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. Local water sources include Obion River, Reelfoot Creek, Reelfoot Lake Nr Tiptonville, Reelfoot Lake Spillway Nr Tiptonville, Running Reelfoot Bayou Below Reelfoot Spillway.
Where does Hornbeak's water come from?
Hornbeak's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,060 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Obion River (river), Reelfoot Creek (river), Reelfoot Lake Nr Tiptonville (lake), Reelfoot Lake Spillway Nr Tiptonville (river), Running Reelfoot Bayou Below Reelfoot Spillway (lake).
What Hornbeak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hornbeak'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.
Hornbeak'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 Hornbeak
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hornbeak, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREEN PLAINS OBION LLC RIVES, TN38253 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtObion 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
Obion 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hornbeak compares by contaminant
Explore where Hornbeak ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hornbeak's water comes from
Hornbeak'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 2,060 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hornbeak
Hornbeak is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hornbeak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HORNBEAK UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000311 | 1,416 | GW |
| REELFOOT WATER ASSOCIATION | TN0000757 | 644 | GWP |
How Hornbeak compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Hornbeak's score of 81.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Hornbeak, TN
Wikipedia →Hornbeak is a town in Obion County, Tennessee, United States. As of the 2020 census, Hornbeak had a population of 511. It is part of the Union City, TN–KY Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hornbeak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Obion
Frequently asked questions
Is Hornbeak, TN tap water safe to drink?
Hornbeak's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #213 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Hornbeak's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is Hornbeak'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 Hornbeak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hornbeak's water come from?
Hornbeak's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,060 residents.
What health violations has Hornbeak's water system had?
Hornbeak has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hornbeak's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hornbeak 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 49 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 Hornbeak's water compare to other cities?
Hornbeak ranks #213 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 29% of state cities) and #7512 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.