Is Hornsby, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Hornsby, TN — Water Quality Report
Hornsby's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 892 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hornsby's water
Hornsby ranks #94 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Hornsby 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, Hornsby may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hornsby, TN water safe to drink?
Hornsby's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 892 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hornsby
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hornsby's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3217). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hornsby's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hornsby's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hardeman County has experienced 2 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 Hatchie River.
Where does Hornsby's water come from?
Hornsby's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 892 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hatchie River (river).
What Hornsby residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hornsby'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
D2 — severe droughtHardeman 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
Hardeman County has experienced 2 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hornsby compares by contaminant
Explore where Hornsby ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hornsby's water comes from
Hornsby 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 Hornsby'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 892 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hornsby
Hornsby is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hornsby
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HORNSBY WATER DEPT | TN0000312 | 892 | GWP |
How Hornsby compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Hornsby's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Hornsby, TN
Wikipedia →Hornsby is a town in Hardeman County and McNairy County, Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, Hornsby had a population of 264. The town is just east of Bolivar along U.S. Highway 64.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hornsby's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardeman
Frequently asked questions
Is Hornsby, TN tap water safe to drink?
Hornsby's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #94 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Hornsby's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Hornsby'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 Hornsby?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hornsby's water come from?
Hornsby's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 892 residents.
What health violations has Hornsby's water system had?
Hornsby has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2009. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hornsby's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hornsby 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 5 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 Hornsby's water compare to other cities?
Hornsby ranks #94 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 69% of state cities) and #2926 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hornsby's small water system affect quality?
Hornsby's system serves approximately 892 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 5 violations on record.