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EPA SDWIS City OverviewWater Testing & Safety Guide

Elmwood, TN Water Quality Testing & Safety Report

EPA compliance records, water testing guidelines, and hardness metrics for all 1 ZIP code in Elmwood, Tennessee

Quick EPA Verified Summary

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Elmwood, TN?

Tap water in Elmwood, TN receives an EPA Safety Grade of D (53/100) due to 0 health-based violation(s) and elevated lead risk. While treated by local utilities, residents are advised to test tap water and use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter for drinking and cooking.

Average Score

53/100

Health Violations

0

Water Hardness

Moderately Hard

105 mg/L (6.1 GPG)

High Lead Risk

0

of 1 ZIP codes

D

About Tap Water in Elmwood, TN

Drinking water in Elmwood, TN receives an average water quality grade of D (score: 53/100) across its 1 ZIP code. Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring is managed by local utilities including SMITH UTILITY DISTRICT.

Water Quality Testing in Elmwood, TN

Tap Water & Well Water Testing Recommendations

Testing your drinking water in Elmwood confirms whether contaminants like lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS are entering your home. While municipal utilities test water before distribution, private plumbing and private well systems require homeowner testing.

Tap Water Testing Checklist

  • 1.Identify your plumbing age: Homes built before 1986 in Elmwood may have lead solder or lead service lines.
  • 2.Request your utility's latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for annual municipal baseline data.
  • 3.Use an EPA-certified laboratory or state-certified test kit for precision lead and PFAS detection (standard DIY strips cannot reliably measure trace heavy metals).
  • 4.Collect a "first draw" sample: Test water that has sat motionless in pipes for at least 6 hours to check for plumbing corrosion.

Private Well Water Testing Checklist

  • •Private wells in TN are not monitored by the EPA or Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation — testing is 100% the homeowner's responsibility.
  • •Annual Test: Screen for Total Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates/Nitrites, and pH every spring.
  • •Comprehensive Test (Every 3-5 Years): Test for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Uranium), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Hardness.
  • •Post-Disruption Testing: Immediately test well water following heavy floods, local construction, agricultural runoff, or sudden taste/odor changes.

Critical Water Testing Parameters for Elmwood Residents

ParameterHealth ReasonEPA Limit / Standard
Lead (Pb)Plumbing corrosion; dangerous neurotoxin for children15 ppb (Action Level) / 0 ppb Goal
Total Coliform & E. ColiBacterial contamination from sewage or surface runoff0 mg/L (Zero Tolerance)
Nitrates / NitritesFertilizer and septic tank seepage; causes blue baby syndrome10 mg/L (MCL)
Water Hardness (Ca & Mg)Affects appliance lifespan, scale buildup, and skin hydrationModerate (~100 mg/L)
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")Industrial non-stick chemicals linked to metabolic and immune issues4.0 ppt (EPA 2024 Rule)
State Regulatory Oversight: Environmental standards and certified water lab registries in TN are maintained by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Elmwood, TN

Showing 1 of 1 monitored ZIP code in Elmwood

D
38560

Elmwood, TN

Score: 53/100✓ Clean Record

All Elmwood, TN ZIP Code Reports (1 Total)

38560

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Frequently Asked Questions — Elmwood Water Quality & Testing

Is tap water safe to drink in Elmwood, TN?+
Tap water in Elmwood has a grade of D, indicating compliance concerns in recent years. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking.
How do I test water quality in Elmwood, TN?+
To test water quality in Elmwood, you can order an EPA-compliant drinking water test kit or submit samples to a state-certified environmental testing laboratory in TN. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 (to check for lead in plumbing) and for properties with private well systems.
Should I test private well water in Elmwood?+
Yes. Unlike municipal tap water, private wells in Elmwood, TN are not monitored or regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners are responsible for testing their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
How hard is the tap water in Elmwood?+
Tap water in Elmwood is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated average hardness of 105 mg/L (6.1 GPG). A water softener is generally optional.
What is the water quality score for Elmwood?+
The average water quality score across 1 ZIP code in Elmwood, TN is 53/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Elmwood have lead in its tap water?+
Lead risk ratings in Elmwood are relatively low based on EPA monitoring data. However, lead in home plumbing is a separate concern — if your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
Where does Elmwood's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Elmwood, TN primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

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