WaterVerge

Is Mooresburg, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: TN0000472
Overall Score
84.5 / 100
Violations
10 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#181 of 299 in Tennessee Top 37% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84.5/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84.5/100

Mooresburg, TN — Water Quality Report

Mooresburg's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,844 residents using purchased surface 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 54 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Mooresburg's water

Mooresburg ranks #181 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, Mooresburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84.5 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
35.5/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Mooresburg, TN water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Mooresburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,844 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

10
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Mooresburg

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mooresburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4427). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Mooresburg's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Mooresburg's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherTTMRMON
Most recent violations:
Jul 2024 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Dec 2018 Public Notice Open
Jun 2017 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Hawkins 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.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4427
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3217
EXTENSIVE RAINFALL AND FLASH FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1022

Where does Mooresburg's water come from?

Mooresburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,844 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Mooresburg residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mooresburg's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Mooresburg'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

54
Total violations
12
Health-based
10
Active / unresolved
Jul 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

54 Total
10 Active
12 Health-based
44 Resolved
3 SNC
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Surface Water Treatment Rule
11
Total Coliform Rule
7
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
4
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jun 2017 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2017
Oct 2016 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2017
Oct 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2017
Sep 2016 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2016
Jul 2016 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2016
May 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 2014
Apr 2014 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2014
Jul 2013 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2013
Jul 2013 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2013
Sep 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2008
Showing 20 of 54 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Mooresburg

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mooresburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CLAYTON BEAN STATION
Wood Products · BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
BEAN STATION, TN37708
2.6 mi
MERITOR HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
Transportation Equipment · MERITOR INC
MORRISTOWN, TN37813
7.2 mi
MAHLE ENGINE COMPONENTS USA INC
Transportation Equipment · MAHLE INDUSTRIES INC
MORRISTOWN, TN37860
7.0 mi
IATRIC MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS LLC
Chemicals · ROCKLINE INDUSTRIES
MORRISTOWN, TN37813
7.5 mi
PIONEER PLASTICS CORP
Plastics and Rubber · PANOLAM INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL INC
MORRISTOWN, TN37813
7.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Hawkins 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.

3
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
16.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
3
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Apr 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Hawkins 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.

Apr 2019
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4427
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3217
Apr 1994
EXTENSIVE RAINFALL AND FLASH FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1022
Mar 1973
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #366

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.7 ppb from 2004 (4.7 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,844
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Mooresburg's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Mooresburg's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,844 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Mooresburg

System Name PWSID Population Source
MOORESBURG UTILITY DISTRICT TN0000472 1,844 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Mooresburg compares

Full Tennessee rankings →

Mooresburg's score of 84.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Mooresburg (this city)
84.5
Memphis
66.2
Tennessee avg
75
City Profile

About Mooresburg, TN

Wikipedia →

Mooresburg is a census-designated place (CDP) and an unincorporated town in Hawkins County, Tennessee. Its population was 941 as of the 2010 census. It is located along U.S. Route 11W between Rogersville and Bean Station.

Economic Profile
$38,491
Median Income
$133,310
Median Home Value
9.1%
Unemployment
Community
43.2
Median Age
92
People / sq mi
9.3%
College Educated
80.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Mooresburg, TN tap water safe to drink?

Mooresburg's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #181 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.

What contaminants are in Mooresburg's water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.

How is Mooresburg'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 Mooresburg?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Mooresburg's water come from?

Mooresburg's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,844 residents.

What health violations has Mooresburg's water system had?

Mooresburg has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.

How does Mooresburg's water compare to other cities?

Mooresburg ranks #181 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 39% of state cities) and #5864 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Mooresburg's small water system affect quality?

Mooresburg's system serves approximately 1,844 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 54 violations on record.