Is Hornbreak, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.9/100
waterverge.com Hornbreak, TN — Water Quality Report
Hornbreak's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 736 residents using purchased ground 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 39 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hornbreak's water
Hornbreak ranks #134 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hornbreak 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, Hornbreak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hornbreak, TN water safe to drink?
Hornbreak's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 736 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hornbreak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hornbreak's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hornbreak's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hornbreak's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Hornbreak's water come from?
Hornbreak's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 736 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hornbreak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hornbreak'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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.
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 Hornbreak compares by contaminant
Explore where Hornbreak ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hornbreak's water comes from
Hornbreak 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 Hornbreak'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 736 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hornbreak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAMBURG UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000607 | 736 | GWP |
How Hornbreak compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Hornbreak's score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hornbreak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Obion
Frequently asked questions
Is Hornbreak, TN tap water safe to drink?
Hornbreak's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #134 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Hornbreak's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Hornbreak'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 Hornbreak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hornbreak's water come from?
Hornbreak's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 736 residents.
Is Hornbreak's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hornbreak 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 39 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 Hornbreak's water compare to other cities?
Hornbreak ranks #134 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 55% of state cities) and #4408 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hornbreak's small water system affect quality?
Hornbreak's system serves approximately 736 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 39 violations on record.