Is Surgoinsville, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85/100
waterverge.com Surgoinsville, TN — Water Quality Report
Surgoinsville's drinking water received a grade of A- (85 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,609 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 2.9 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 24 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Surgoinsville's water
Surgoinsville ranks #173 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Surgoinsville 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, Surgoinsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Surgoinsville, TN water safe to drink?
Surgoinsville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,609 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Surgoinsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Surgoinsville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4427). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Surgoinsville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Surgoinsville's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Hawkins 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 Big Creek.
Where does Surgoinsville's water come from?
Surgoinsville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,609 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Big Creek (river).
What Surgoinsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Surgoinsville'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.
Surgoinsville'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 Surgoinsville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Surgoinsville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARDINAL GLASS INDUSTRIES-GREENLAND PLANT CHURCH HILL, TN37642 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
HOLLISTON HOLDINGS LLC CHURCH HILL, TN37642 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
HUTCHINSON SEALING SYSTEMS INC CHURCH HILL, TN37642 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
DODGE INDUSTRIAL ROGERSVILLE, TN37857 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
U.S. TVA JOHN SEVIER COMBINED CYCLE PLANT ROGERSVILLE, TN37857 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHawkins 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
Hawkins 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. | 2.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Surgoinsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Surgoinsville ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Surgoinsville's water comes from
Surgoinsville'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 2,609 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Surgoinsville
Surgoinsville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Surgoinsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SURGOINSVILLE UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000682 | 2,609 | GU |
How Surgoinsville compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Surgoinsville's score of 85/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Surgoinsville, TN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Surgoinsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hawkins
Frequently asked questions
Is Surgoinsville, TN tap water safe to drink?
Surgoinsville's water quality earned a grade of A- (85/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #173 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Surgoinsville's water?
Lead was measured at 2.9 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Surgoinsville'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 Surgoinsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Surgoinsville's water come from?
Surgoinsville's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,609 residents.
What health violations has Surgoinsville's water system had?
Surgoinsville has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Surgoinsville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Surgoinsville 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 24 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 Surgoinsville's water compare to other cities?
Surgoinsville ranks #173 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 42% of state cities) and #5566 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 Surgoinsville's small water system affect quality?
Surgoinsville's system serves approximately 2,609 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 24 violations on record.