Is Sugar Tree, 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 ↓
83.8/100
waterverge.com Sugar Tree, TN — Water Quality Report
Sugar Tree's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 635 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sugar Tree's water
Sugar Tree ranks #192 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sugar Tree 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, Sugar Tree 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 Sugar Tree, TN water safe to drink?
Sugar Tree's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 635 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sugar Tree
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sugar Tree's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform 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 Sugar Tree's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sugar Tree's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Decatur County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Sugar Tree's water come from?
Sugar Tree's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 635 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sugar Tree residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sugar Tree'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.
Sugar Tree'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 droughtDecatur 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
Decatur County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sugar Tree compares by contaminant
Explore where Sugar Tree ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sugar Tree's water comes from
Sugar Tree'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 private ownership and serves approximately 635 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sugar Tree
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOODLAWN SHORES WATER DEPT | TN0000679 | 635 | GW |
How Sugar Tree compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Sugar Tree's score of 83.8/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sugar Tree's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Decatur
Frequently asked questions
Is Sugar Tree, TN tap water safe to drink?
Sugar Tree's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #192 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Sugar Tree's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Sugar Tree'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 Sugar Tree?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sugar Tree's water come from?
Sugar Tree's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 635 residents.
Is Sugar Tree's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sugar Tree 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 14 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 Sugar Tree's water compare to other cities?
Sugar Tree ranks #192 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 36% of state cities) and #6283 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sugar Tree's small water system affect quality?
Sugar Tree's system serves approximately 635 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 14 violations on record.