Is St Joseph, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.5/100
waterverge.com St Joseph, TN — Water Quality Report
St Joseph's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,533 residents using ground water under influence.
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 38 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about St Joseph's water
St Joseph ranks #259 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
St Joseph 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, St Joseph may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is St Joseph, TN water safe to drink?
St Joseph's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,533 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for St Joseph
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into St Joseph's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 St Joseph's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
St Joseph's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence 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 Bluewater Creek Nr Antioch, Shoal Creek.
Where does St Joseph's water come from?
St Joseph's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,533 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bluewater Creek Nr Antioch (river), Shoal Creek (river).
What St Joseph residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in St Joseph'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.
St Joseph'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
D2 — severe droughtLawrence County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Lawrence 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in St Joseph's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how St Joseph compares by contaminant
Explore where St Joseph ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where St Joseph's water comes from
St Joseph'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 1,533 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near St Joseph
St Joseph is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving St Joseph
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST JOSEPH WATER SYSTEM | TN0000604 | 1,533 | GU |
How St Joseph compares
Full Tennessee rankings →St Joseph's score of 72.5/100 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 St Joseph, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to St Joseph's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is St Joseph, TN tap water safe to drink?
St Joseph's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #259 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in St Joseph's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is St Joseph'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 St Joseph?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does St Joseph's water come from?
St Joseph's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,533 residents.
What health violations has St Joseph's water system had?
St Joseph has 2 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.
Is St Joseph's groundwater at risk of contamination?
St Joseph 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 38 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 St Joseph's water compare to other cities?
St Joseph ranks #259 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 13% of state cities) and #10309 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does St Joseph's small water system affect quality?
St Joseph's system serves approximately 1,533 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 38 violations on record.