Is Rutledge, 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 ↓
85.2/100
waterverge.com Rutledge, TN — Water Quality Report
Rutledge's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,102 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 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rutledge's water
Rutledge ranks #170 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, Rutledge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rutledge, TN water safe to drink?
Rutledge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,102 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rutledge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rutledge's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4427). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Rutledge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rutledge's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grainger 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 Clinch River Above Tazewell.
Where does Rutledge's water come from?
Rutledge's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,102 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Clinch River Above Tazewell (river).
What Rutledge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rutledge'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.
Rutledge'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Rutledge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rutledge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLAYTON RUTLEDGE RUTLEDGE, TN37861 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtGrainger 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
Grainger 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 Rutledge compares by contaminant
Explore where Rutledge ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rutledge's water comes from
Rutledge'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 2,102 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rutledge
Rutledge is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rutledge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RUTLEDGE WATER SYSTEM | TN0000600 | 2,102 | SWP |
How Rutledge compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Rutledge's score of 85.2/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Rutledge, TN
Wikipedia →Rutledge is a city in and the county seat of Grainger County, Tennessee. The city is part of both the Knoxville metropolitan area and the Morristown metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 1,321.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rutledge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grainger
Frequently asked questions
Is Rutledge, TN tap water safe to drink?
Rutledge's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #170 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Rutledge's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Rutledge'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 Rutledge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rutledge's water come from?
Rutledge's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,102 residents.
How does Rutledge's water compare to other cities?
Rutledge ranks #170 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 43% of state cities) and #5457 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rutledge's small water system affect quality?
Rutledge's system serves approximately 2,102 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 5 violations on record.