Is Turtletown, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.2/100
waterverge.com Turtletown, TN — Water Quality Report
Turtletown's drinking water received a grade of A (91.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,710 residents using surface water.
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 35 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Turtletown's water
Turtletown ranks #69 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it above 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.
As a small community water system, Turtletown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Turtletown, TN water safe to drink?
Turtletown's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,710 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Turtletown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Turtletown's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3217). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1022). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Turtletown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Turtletown's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Hiwassee River Above Reliance, Ocoee River.
Where does Turtletown's water come from?
Turtletown's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,710 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Hiwassee River Above Reliance (river), Ocoee River (river).
What Turtletown residents can do
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.
Turtletown'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 droughtPolk 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
Polk County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Turtletown compares by contaminant
Explore where Turtletown ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Turtletown's water comes from
Turtletown'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 2,710 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Turtletown
Turtletown is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Turtletown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COPPER BASIN UTILITY DISTRICT | TN0000844 | 2,710 | SW |
How Turtletown compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Turtletown's score of 91.2/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Turtletown, TN
Wikipedia →Turtletown is an unincorporated community in Polk County, Tennessee, United States. Turtletown is located on Tennessee State Route 68 6.5 miles (10.5 km) north-northeast of Ducktown. Turtletown is in a primarily mountainous terrain, covered in forests except for areas cleared by farmers, ponds, or roads. Turtletown has a post office with ZIP code 37391. Turtletown's borders, however, in the eyes of some are disputed. According to one, parts of it are known as Dogtown, which appears on a few local maps. However, to others, it is simply all Turtletown and Dogtown does not exist. The only known map that contains this is the USGS map of the area, and a U.S. Forest Service map. There is an abandoned school, Turtletown School, across the street from the Post Office.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Turtletown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Turtletown, TN tap water safe to drink?
Turtletown's water quality earned a grade of A (91.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #69 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Turtletown's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Turtletown'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 Turtletown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Turtletown's water come from?
Turtletown's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,710 residents.
What health violations has Turtletown's water system had?
Turtletown has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Turtletown's water compare to other cities?
Turtletown ranks #69 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 77% of state cities) and #1815 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Turtletown's small water system affect quality?
Turtletown's system serves approximately 2,710 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 35 violations on record.