Is Sneedville, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Sneedville, TN — Water Quality Report
Sneedville'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 2,607 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 69 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sneedville's water
Sneedville ranks #163 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sneedville 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, Sneedville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sneedville, TN water safe to drink?
Sneedville'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 2,607 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sneedville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sneedville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4427). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Sneedville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sneedville's water system has 69 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock 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 Powell River.
Where does Sneedville's water come from?
Sneedville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,607 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Powell River (river).
What Sneedville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sneedville'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.
Sneedville'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
D1 — moderate droughtHancock 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
Hancock 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. | 4.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sneedville compares by contaminant
Explore where Sneedville ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sneedville's water comes from
Sneedville'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 2,607 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sneedville
Sneedville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sneedville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNEEDVILLE U.D. | TN0000640 | 2,607 | GW |
How Sneedville compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Sneedville'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 →About Sneedville, TN
Wikipedia →Sneedville is the only city in and the county seat of Hancock County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 1,282 per the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sneedville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Sneedville, TN tap water safe to drink?
Sneedville'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 #163 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Sneedville's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 69 violations are on record.
How is Sneedville'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 Sneedville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sneedville's water come from?
Sneedville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,607 residents.
What health violations has Sneedville's water system had?
Sneedville has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sneedville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sneedville 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 69 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 Sneedville's water compare to other cities?
Sneedville ranks #163 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 45% of state cities) and #5387 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 Sneedville's small water system affect quality?
Sneedville's system serves approximately 2,607 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 69 violations on record.