Is Spring City, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Spring City, TN — Water Quality Report
Spring City's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 8,812 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 82 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spring City's water
Spring City ranks #220 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.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Spring City, TN water safe to drink?
Spring City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 8,812 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Spring City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spring City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Spring City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Spring City's water system has 82 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rhea County has experienced 4 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 Sewee Creek.
Where does Spring City's water come from?
Spring City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 8,812 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sewee Creek (river).
What Spring City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spring City'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.
Spring City'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 Spring City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Spring City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TWIN K - READY MIX - PLANT 3 DECATUR, TN37322 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
HUBER ENGINEERED WOODS LLC SPRING CITY FACILITY SPRING CITY, TN37381 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
US TVA WATTS BAR NUCLEAR PLANT SPRING CITY, TN37381 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
GENERAL SHALE BRICK INC PLANT 42 SPRING CITY, TN37381 | — | — | 1.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRhea 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
Rhea County has experienced 4 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 Spring City compares by contaminant
Explore where Spring City ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spring City's water comes from
Spring City'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 8,812 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Spring City
Spring City 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 Spring City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTH U.D. OF RHEA COUNTY | TN0000970 | 3,640 | SWP |
| SPRING CITY WATER SYSTEM | TN0000656 | 2,985 | SW |
| GRANDVIEW UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000863 | 2,187 | SWP |
How Spring City compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Spring City's score of 79.8/100 is on par with the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Spring City, TN
Wikipedia →Spring City is a town in Rhea County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 1,949 at the 2020 census and 1,981 at the 2010 census. The town is located along Watts Bar Lake, and Watts Bar Dam and the Watts Bar Nuclear Generating Station are nearby.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spring City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rhea
Frequently asked questions
Is Spring City, TN tap water safe to drink?
Spring City's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #220 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Spring City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 82 violations are on record.
How is Spring City'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 Spring City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spring City's water come from?
Spring City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 8,812 residents.
What health violations has Spring City's water system had?
Spring City has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Spring City's water compare to other cities?
Spring City ranks #220 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 26% of state cities) and #8121 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.