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Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: No Recorded SDWIS Violations

ZIP Code 38221 Water Quality & Testing Report

Big Sandy, TN · Benton County County · Updated for 2026

Sahajul HaqueCompiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS records
Public Health & Medical Notice: Drinking water quality data on this page reflects historical compliance records submitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information does not constitute medical advice or a real-time safety guarantee. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing infant formula, or immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Boiling water kills biological pathogens, but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 38221 (Big Sandy, TN)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 38221 (Big Sandy, TN) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Big Sandy Water Department, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (83/100) with 0 health violations, 1.0 ppb lead, and hard (159 mg/L / 9.3 GPG) water.

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

0

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 38221

Tap water in ZIP code 38221 (Big Sandy, TN) is distributed by Big Sandy Water Department (EPA ID: TN0000051), serving approximately 1,170 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 83/100.

Water System

Big Sandy Water Department

EPA ID: TN0000051

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

1,170 residents

County

Benton County County, Tennessee

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Lead Levels in ZIP 38221

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 1.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 38221 is 1.0 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 38221 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 38% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
1.00 ppb (0.001 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

38%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Hard9.3 GPG · 159 mg/L

Water in ZIP 38221 is Hard (159 mg/L / 9.3 GPG). Residents may notice white mineral spots on glassware, reduced soap efficiency, and mineral scale on faucets and showerheads.

Recommendation: An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

9.3 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

159 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
High / Severe

Interactive Water Safety & Filter Matcher

Personalized for ZIP 38221 (Big Sandy, TN)

Free Tool

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Big Sandy Water Department · PWSID: TN0000051

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Big Sandy Water Department has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years.

Total Violations (5 yr)
0
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Low

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Low based on past reporting and enforcement records.

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 38221 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.03%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 38221

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 38221 served by Big Sandy Water Department can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in TN for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 38221 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Big Sandy Water Department
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

🚰

NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 38221 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 38221?+
Yes — tap water in 38221 (Big Sandy, TN) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 38221 (Big Sandy, TN)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 38221, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in TN. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 38221?+
Tap water in 38221 is classified as Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 159 mg/L (9.3 GPG). An ion-exchange water softener or descaler is recommended to prolong the life of water heaters, dishwashers, and plumbing.
Should I test private well water in 38221?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 38221 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 38221 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 38221 is 1.0 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 38221?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 38221. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 38221?+
Tap water in ZIP code 38221 is provided by Big Sandy Water Department (EPA ID: TN0000051), serving approximately 1,170 residents.
What water filter should I use in 38221?+
Based on water metrics for 38221, we recommend None / Standard Pitcher. Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 42 (Chlorine, Taste & Odor).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 38221 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Big Sandy Water Department. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →