Is Iron City, 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 ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Iron City, TN — Water Quality Report
Iron City's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 729 residents using gup.
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 29 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Iron City's water
Iron City ranks #107 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
As a small community water system, Iron City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Iron City, TN water safe to drink?
Iron City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 729 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Iron City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Iron City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4427). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Iron City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Iron City's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 4 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 Bluewater Creek Nr Antioch, Shoal Creek.
Where does Iron City's water come from?
Iron City's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 729 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bluewater Creek Nr Antioch (river), Shoal Creek (river).
What Iron City 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.
Iron City'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLawrence 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
Lawrence County has experienced 4 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 Iron City compares by contaminant
Explore where Iron City ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Iron City's water comes from
Iron City's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 729 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Iron City
Iron City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Iron City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRON CITY UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000320 | 729 | GUP |
How Iron City compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Iron City's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Iron City, TN
Wikipedia →Iron City is a census-designated place and former city in Lawrence County, Tennessee.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Iron City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Iron City, TN tap water safe to drink?
Iron City's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #107 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Iron City's water?
Lead was measured at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Iron City'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 Iron City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Iron City's water come from?
Iron City's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 729 residents.
How does Iron City's water compare to other cities?
Iron City ranks #107 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 64% of state cities) and #3483 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Iron City's small water system affect quality?
Iron City's system serves approximately 729 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 29 violations on record.