Is Only, 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 ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Only, TN — Water Quality Report
Only's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,610 residents using 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 42 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Only's water
Only ranks #165 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, Only may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Only, TN water safe to drink?
Only's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,610 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Only
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Only's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4609). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Only's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Only's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hickman County has experienced 6 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 Duck River Above Hurricane Mills, Buffalo River Below Lobelville.
Where does Only's water come from?
Only's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,610 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Duck River Above Hurricane Mills (river), Buffalo River Below Lobelville (river).
What Only residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Only'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.
Only'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 droughtHickman 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
Hickman County has experienced 6 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Only compares by contaminant
Explore where Only ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Only's water comes from
Only'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 state ownership and serves approximately 1,610 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Only
Only is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Only
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TURNEY CENTER | TN0000533 | 1,610 | SW |
How Only compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Only's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Only's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hickman
Frequently asked questions
Is Only, TN tap water safe to drink?
Only's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #165 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Only's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Only'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 Only?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Only's water come from?
Only's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,610 residents.
What health violations has Only's water system had?
Only has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Only's water compare to other cities?
Only ranks #165 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 45% of state cities) and #5396 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Only's small water system affect quality?
Only's system serves approximately 1,610 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 42 violations on record.