Is Liberty, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49.1/100
waterverge.com Liberty, TN — Water Quality Report
Liberty's drinking water received a grade of D (49.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,065 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 70 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Liberty's water
Liberty ranks #294 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Liberty 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, Liberty may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 54 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Liberty, TN water safe to drink?
Liberty's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,065 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Liberty
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Liberty's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment 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 Liberty's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Liberty's water system has 70 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 54 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Smith County has experienced 4 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 Cumberland River Below Cordell Hull Dam, Caney Fork.
Where does Liberty's water come from?
Liberty's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,065 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cumberland River Below Cordell Hull Dam (river), Caney Fork (river).
What Liberty residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Liberty'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.
Liberty'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 Liberty
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Liberty, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 290 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TENNECO BRAKING (FRMLY FEDERAL-MOGUL MOTORPARTS LLC) SMITHVILLE, TN37166 | Copper | 290 | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDeKalb 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
Smith County has experienced 4 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Liberty compares by contaminant
Explore where Liberty ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Liberty's water comes from
Liberty'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 1,065 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Liberty
Liberty is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Liberty
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOWELLTOWN-LIBERTY W.S. | TN0000403 | 1,065 | GU |
How Liberty compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Liberty's score of 49.1/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Liberty, TN
Wikipedia →South Carthage is a town in Smith County, Tennessee, United States. As of the 2020 census, South Carthage had a population of 1,490. The town is located along the Cumberland River opposite Carthage.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Liberty's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dekalb
Frequently asked questions
Is Liberty, TN tap water safe to drink?
Liberty's water quality earned a grade of D (49.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #294 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Liberty's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 70 violations are on record.
How is Liberty'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 Liberty?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Liberty's water come from?
Liberty's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,065 residents.
What health violations has Liberty's water system had?
Liberty has 3 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Liberty's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Liberty 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 70 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 Liberty's water compare to other cities?
Liberty ranks #294 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 2% of state cities) and #13281 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Liberty's small water system affect quality?
Liberty's system serves approximately 1,065 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 70 violations on record.