Is Moscow, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.8/100
waterverge.com Moscow, TN — Water Quality Report
Moscow's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 821 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 41 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Moscow's water
Moscow ranks #251 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Moscow 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Moscow may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Moscow, TN water safe to drink?
Moscow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 821 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Moscow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Moscow's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Diquat, Endothall.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3217). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Moscow's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Moscow's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Nr Walnut.
Where does Moscow's water come from?
Moscow's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 821 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 Nr Walnut (river).
What Moscow residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Moscow'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Moscow
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Moscow, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STABILIT AMERICA INC. MOSCOW, TN38057 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
THE EGGO CO ROSSVILLE, TN38066 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Moscow
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ROSS METALS INC9.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtFayette County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Moscow's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 11.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Moscow compares by contaminant
Explore where Moscow ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Moscow's water comes from
Moscow'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 821 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Moscow
Moscow is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Moscow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOSCOW WATER DEPT | TN0000477 | 821 | GW |
How Moscow compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Moscow's score of 74.8/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Moscow, TN
Wikipedia →Middleton is a city in Hardeman County, Tennessee, United States. As of the 2020 census, Middleton had a population of 658. It is located at the intersection of Tennessee State Route 125 and Tennessee State Route 57. Its slogan is the "Crossroads of the South".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Moscow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Moscow, TN tap water safe to drink?
Moscow's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #251 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Moscow's water?
Lead was measured at 11.1 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.
How is Moscow'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 Moscow?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Moscow's water come from?
Moscow's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 821 residents.
What health violations has Moscow's water system had?
Moscow has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Moscow's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Moscow 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 41 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 Moscow's water compare to other cities?
Moscow ranks #251 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 16% of state cities) and #9755 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Moscow's small water system affect quality?
Moscow's system serves approximately 821 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 41 violations on record.