Is Mcewen, 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 ↓
87.9/100
waterverge.com Mcewen, TN — Water Quality Report
Mcewen's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,594 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 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mcewen's water
Mcewen ranks #118 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mcewen 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.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mcewen, TN water safe to drink?
Mcewen's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,594 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mcewen
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mcewen's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Simazine, Atrazine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4609). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4427). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mcewen's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mcewen's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Humphreys County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Mcewen's water come from?
Mcewen's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,594 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Mcewen residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mcewen'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.
Mcewen'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
D3 — extreme droughtHumphreys 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
Humphreys County has experienced 5 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mcewen compares by contaminant
Explore where Mcewen ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mcewen's water comes from
Mcewen'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 3,594 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Mcewen
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCEWEN WATERWORKS | TN0000420 | 3,594 | GW |
How Mcewen compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Mcewen's score of 87.9/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Mcewen, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mcewen's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Humphreys
Frequently asked questions
Is Mcewen, TN tap water safe to drink?
Mcewen's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #118 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Mcewen's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Mcewen'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 Mcewen?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mcewen's water come from?
Mcewen's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,594 residents.
Is Mcewen's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mcewen 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 14 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 Mcewen's water compare to other cities?
Mcewen ranks #118 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 61% of state cities) and #3765 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.