Is Watertown, 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 ↓
82.5/100
waterverge.com Watertown, TN — Water Quality Report
Watertown's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,920 residents using groundwater.
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 12 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Watertown's water
Watertown ranks #201 out of 299 cities in Tennessee for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Watertown 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, Watertown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Watertown, TN water safe to drink?
Watertown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,920 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Watertown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Watertown's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts 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 Watertown'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
Watertown's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wilson County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Watertown's water come from?
Watertown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,920 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Watertown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Watertown'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.
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 Watertown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Watertown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 19 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SOUTHTEC LLC LEBANON, TN37087 | Zinc compounds | 19 | 9.7 mi |
LOCHINVAR LLC LEBANON, TN37090 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
ROYAL CANIN USA LEBANON, TN37090 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWilson 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
Wilson County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Watertown'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. | 2.20 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.200 mg/L (2007)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Watertown compares by contaminant
Explore where Watertown ranks among all Tennessee cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Watertown's water comes from
Watertown'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 1,920 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Watertown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WATERTOWN WATER SYSTEM | TN0000732 | 1,920 | GW |
How Watertown compares
Full Tennessee rankings →Watertown's score of 82.5/100 is above the average of 75/100 among major Tennessee cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Tennessee rankings →About Watertown, TN
Wikipedia →Watertown is a city located in Wilson County, Tennessee. The population was 1,477 at the 2010 census. The population then raised to 1,553 after the 2020 census. It is located southeast of Lebanon, and northwest of Smithville.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Watertown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wilson
Frequently asked questions
Is Watertown, TN tap water safe to drink?
Watertown's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #201 out of 299 cities tested in Tennessee.
What contaminants are in Watertown's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Watertown'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 Watertown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Watertown's water come from?
Watertown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,920 residents.
What health violations has Watertown's water system had?
Watertown has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Watertown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Watertown 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 12 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 Watertown's water compare to other cities?
Watertown ranks #201 out of 299 cities in Tennessee (better than 33% of state cities) and #6924 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Watertown's small water system affect quality?
Watertown's system serves approximately 1,920 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 12 violations on record.