Is Roan Mountain, 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 ↓
75.1/100
waterverge.com Roan Mountain, TN — Water Quality Report
Roan Mountain's drinking water received a grade of B (75.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,226 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 44 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roan Mountain's water
Roan Mountain ranks #250 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Roan Mountain 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, Roan Mountain may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roan Mountain, TN water safe to drink?
Roan Mountain's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,226 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roan Mountain
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roan Mountain's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Roan Mountain's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Roan Mountain's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carter County has experienced 5 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 Doe River.
Where does Roan Mountain's water come from?
Roan Mountain's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,226 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Doe River (river).
What Roan Mountain residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roan Mountain'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.
Roan Mountain'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 droughtCarter 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
Carter County has experienced 5 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 Roan Mountain compares by contaminant
Explore where Roan Mountain ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roan Mountain's water comes from
Roan Mountain'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 1,226 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Roan Mountain
Roan Mountain is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Roan Mountain
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROAN MOUNTAIN UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000584 | 1,226 | GW |
How Roan Mountain compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Roan Mountain's score of 75.1/100 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 Roan Mountain, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roan Mountain's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carter
Frequently asked questions
Is Roan Mountain, TN tap water safe to drink?
Roan Mountain's water quality earned a grade of B (75.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #250 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Roan Mountain's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.
How is Roan Mountain'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 Roan Mountain?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roan Mountain's water come from?
Roan Mountain's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,226 residents.
Is Roan Mountain's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roan Mountain 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 44 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 Roan Mountain's water compare to other cities?
Roan Mountain ranks #250 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 16% of state cities) and #9673 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Roan Mountain's small water system affect quality?
Roan Mountain's system serves approximately 1,226 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 44 violations on record.