Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Chattanooga?
Yes, Chattanooga's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Chattanooga has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Chattanooga's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Chattanooga's water utility, Tennessee American Water, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Tennessee American Water water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Chattanooga Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Chattanooga tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Chattanooga's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Chattanooga Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Tennessee American Water for Chattanooga in Tennessee. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
Is there Lead in Chattanooga Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Chattanooga water system, Tennessee American Water, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.002 mg/L of lead in Chattanooga water. This is 13.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Chattanooga contained more lead.
While Chattanooga water testing may have found 0.002 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Chattanooga Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Lovell Field - near Chattanooga with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Chattanooga has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Chattanooga Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | 109 WIEHL STREET CHATTANOOGA, TN, 37403 |
Existing customers can login to their Tennessee American Water account to pay their Chattanooga water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Tennessee American Water bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Chattanooga water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Chattanooga water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Chattanooga means you will often need to put the water in your name with Tennessee American Water. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Chattanooga means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Tennessee American Water. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$2 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Chattanooga, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Chattanooga Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Chattanooga's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2020 Annual
Citico Water Treatment Plant
PWS ID: 0000107
A message from Tennessee American Water’s President
Grant A. Evitts
President, Tennessee American Water
Dear Tennessee American Water Customer,
Having access to safe, reliable water service is something that can be easily taken for granted. At Tennessee American Water, it’s our top priority.
I am pleased to share with you our 2020 Consumer Confidence Report, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees. As you read through this annual water quality information, you will see that we continue to supply high quality drinking water service to keep your life flowing.
We monitor and test your water at multiple points throughout our process of drawing it from its source, treating it to meet drinking water standards, and distributing it through our pipeline systems. In fact, we test for about 100 regulated contaminants as required by state and federal drinking water standards.
QUALITY: We take water quality so seriously that our water treatment plant has been nationally recognized for over 20 years with Directors Awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Partnership for Safe Water program for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards. We remain committed to protecting our sources of drinking water. We utilize advanced technology and detection methods that are paving the way for source water protection across the country.
SERVICE: Last year, we invested over $28 million to upgrade our water treatment and pipeline systems in the communities we serve. These investments allowed us to improve water quality, water pressure and service reliability for our customers.
VALUE: While costs to provide water service continue to increase across the country, our investments help us provide high quality water service that remains an exceptional value for such an essential service.
We hope our commitment to you and our passion for water shines through in this report detailing the source and quality of your drinking water in 2020. We will continue to work to keep your life flowing – today, tomorrow and for future generations.
Proud to be your local water service provider,
This report contains important information about your drinking water. Translate it or speak with someone who understands it at
-
736-6420,
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Grant A. Evitts
Tennessee American Water
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Once again, we proudly present our Annual Water Quality Report, also referred to as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). CCRs let consumers know what contaminants, if any, were detected in their drinking water as well as related potential health effects. CCRs also include details about where your water comes from and how it is treated. Additionally, they educate customers on what it takes to deliver safe drinking water and highlight the need to protect drinking water sources.
Tennessee American Water is committed to delivering high quality drinking water service. To that end, we remain vigilant in meeting the challenges of source water protection, water conservation, environmental compliance, sustainability and community education while continuing to serve the needs of all our water users.
A message from our President |
2 |
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What is a Consumer Confidence Report |
3 |
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Mark of Excellence |
4 |
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About Your Drinking Water Supply |
5 |
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What are the Sources of Contaminants? |
6 |
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Protecting Your Drinking Water Supply |
7 |
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About Lead |
8 |
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Important Information About Your Water |
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• |
Fluoride |
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• |
Cryptosporidium |
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• |
UCMR |
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• |
PFOA/PFAS |
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Water Quality Results |
11 |
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Definitions of Terms Used in Document |
12 |
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Water Quality Results: Detailed Charts |
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About Us |
17 |
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Contact Us |
18 |
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Just as Tennessee American Water is investing in research and testing, we also understand the importance of investing in the infrastructure that provides
water treatment and pipeline systems.
NOT JUST MEETING DRINKING WATER STANDARDS—
SURPASSING THEM.
The EPA regulates about 100 potential contaminants and sets stringent standards for each one. Tennessee American Water takes water quality so seriously that:
Tennessee American Water’s Citico Plant is a volunteer participant in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Partnership for Safe Water, a national program designed to achieve operational excellence in water treatment. In 2020 Tennessee American Water was awarded the “20- Year Directors Award”. The Partnership for Safe Water program, administered by the EPA and other water related organization, honors water utilities for achieving operation excellence by voluntarily optimizing their treatment facility operations and adopting more stringent performance goals than those required.
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WHERE YOUR WATER COMES FROM
The Tennessee American Water Citico Water Treatment Plant located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, draws surface water from the Tennessee River. Our goal is to protect our water from contamination, and we are working with the state to determine the vulnerability of our water source to potential contamination. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has prepared a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Report for the untreated water sources serving this water system. The SWAP Report assesses the susceptibility of untreated water sources to potential contamination.
To ensure safe drinking water, all public water systems treat and routinely test their water. Water sources have been rated as reasonably susceptible (high), moderately susceptible (moderate) or slightly susceptible (low) based on geologic factors and human activities in the vicinity of the water source. Tennessee American Water source is rated as reasonably susceptible to potential contamination.
An explanation of Tennessee’s SWAP, the Source Water Assessment summaries, susceptibility scorings and the overall TDEC report to EPA can be viewed online at:
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE CHATTANOOGA SYSTEM
Communities served - In TN: Chattanooga, East Ridge, Elder Mountain, Lookout Mountain, Red Bank, Signal Mountain (wholesale customer)
In GA: Catoosa Utility District Authority (wholesale), Lookout Mountain, Ft. Oglethorpe (wholesale), Rossville
Water source:
Tennessee River
Average amount of water supplied to customers on a daily basis: 33 million gallons per day
Disinfection treatment: surface water supplies are disinfected with chlorine to maintain water quality in the distribution system.
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Report any spills, illegal dumping or suspicious activity to the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation:
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about your water supply and local activities, visit us online at tennesseeamwater.com or contact the regional Source Water Protection Lead, Kitty Vaughn at
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Our priority is to provide reliable, quality drinking water service for customers. The source of supply is an important part of that mission. We work to understand and reduce potential risks to your drinking water supply. In addition to the Source Water Protection Plan we have developed under the Tennessee Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP), we work with organizations to support their work in protecting our water sources. We believe that everyone plays a role and by partnering with environmental organizations, we help spread awareness of ways individuals can make a positive impact. Examples of the types of activities we support include river, stream and creek clean ups, “skip the straw” awareness to reduce microplastics, bank stabilization and prevention of
Here are a few of the efforts underway to protect our shared water resources:
Community Involvement: We have a proactive public outreach program to help spread the word and get people involved. This includes school education, contests, and other community activities.
Environmental Grant Program: Each year, we fund projects that improve water resources in our local communities. Pharmaceutical Collection: We partner with local law enforcement & drug abuse prevention organizations to sponsor Drug Take Back events in our community. These events as well as local permanent lock boxes offer residents a way to safely dispose of unwanted drugs for free. This helps keep pharmaceutical products from entering water supplies. Learn more here.
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CHECK YOUR PLUMBING AND SERVICE LINE
If you live in an older home, consider having a licensed plumber check your plumbing for lead. If your service line is made of lead, and you’re planning to replace it, be sure to contact us at
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CRYPTOSPORIDIUM
Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in surface water throughout the U.S. Although filtration removes Cryptosporidium, the most
FLUORIDE
Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance. It can be present in drinking water from two sources:
-
By nature when groundwater comes into contact with
fluoride-containing minerals naturally present in the earth; or - By a water purveyor through addition of fluoride to the water they are providing in the distribution system.
The Citico System has
If you have any questions on fluoride, please call Tennessee American Water’s Customer Service Center at (866)
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UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING RULE (UCMR)
The EPA created the Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR) to assist them in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether new regulations are warranted. The first Unregulated Contaminants Monitoring Rule (UCMR1) testing was completed in 2003 for a list of contaminants specified by the EPA. Unregulated contaminants are those for which the EPA has not established drinking water standards. UCMR2 testing was conducted between November 2008 and August 2009, and UCMR3 assessment monitoring was conducted between January 2013 and December 2016. The fourth list of contaminants to monitor as part of the UCMR was published by the EPA in December 2016. UCMR4 testing began in 2018 and continued into 2020. The results from the UCMR monitoring are reported directly to the EPA. The results of this monitoring are incorporated in the data tables in this report as appropriate. For more information, contact our Customer Service Center at
PFOA/PFOS Monitoring
PFAS refers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of synthetic chemicals, manufactured for industrial applications and commercial household products such as:
cookware; waterproof and stain resistant fabrics and
carpets; firefighting foam and cleaning products. The properties that make these chemicals useful in so many of our every- day products also resist breaking down and therefore persist in the environment. Exposure may be from food, food packaging, consumer products, house dust, indoor and outdoor air, drinking water and at workplaces where PFAS are made or used.
Tennessee American Water is currently performing voluntary sampling to better understand certain occurrence of PFAS levels in drinking water sources. This testing allows us to understand how our water compares against the
for those PFAS for which we have USEPA approved testing methods.
The science and regulation of PFAS and other contaminants is always evolving, and Tennessee American Water strives to be a leader in research and development. PFAS contamination is one of the most rapidly changing areas in the drinking water field. We have invested in our own independent research, as well as engaging with other experts in the field to understand PFAS occurrence in the environment. We are also actively assessing treatment technologies that can effectively remove PFAS from drinking water, because we believe that investment in research is critically important to addressing this issue.
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WATER QUALITY STATEMENT
We are pleased to report that during calendar year 2020, the results of testing of your drinking water complied with all state and federal drinking water requirements.
For your information, we have compiled a list in the table below showing the testing of your drinking water during 2020. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentration of the contaminants does not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old.
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Tennessee American Water conducts extensive monitoring to determine if your water meets all water quality standards. The detections of our monitoring are reported in the following tables. While most monitoring was conducted in 2020, certain substances are monitored less than once per year because the levels do not change frequently. For help with interpreting the tables below, see the “Definition of Terms” on the previous page. Some unregulated substances are measured, but maximum contaminant levels have not been established by the government. These contaminants are shown for your information.
NOTE: Regulated contaminants not listed in this table were not found in the treated water supply.
LEAD AND COPPER MONITORING PROGRAM - At least 50 tap water samples collected at customers’ taps every 3 years
Substance |
Year Sampled |
Compliance |
MCLG |
Action Level |
90th Percentile |
No. of Homes |
Homes Above |
Typical Source |
(with units) |
|
Achieved |
|
(AL) |
|
Sampled |
Action Level |
|
Lead (ppb) |
2019 |
Yes |
0 |
15 |
1 |
51 |
0 |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems. |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (ppm) |
2019 |
Yes |
1.3 |
1.3 |
0.108 |
51 |
0 |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems. |
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REVISED TOTAL COLIFORM RULE - At least 120 samples collected each month in the distribution system
Substance |
Year Sampled |
Compliance |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest Percentage OR Highest |
Typical Source |
|
(with units) |
Achieved |
No. of Samples |
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E. Coli |
2020 |
Yes |
0 |
TT = No confirmed |
0 |
Human and animal fecal waste. |
|
samples |
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NOTE: System is in compliance for E.Coli MCL unless it has E.coli positive repeat sample for total coliform positive routine sample, total coliform positive repeat sample for an E.coli positive routine sample, system fails to collect all required repeat samples following an E. Coli positive routine sample , or system fails to test repeat total coliform positive samples for E.Coli.
DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS - Collected in the Distribution System
Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest |
Range |
Typical Source |
|
(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Compliance Result |
Detected |
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|
|
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Total |
2020 |
Yes |
NA |
80 |
51.7 (max LRAA) |
32.4 to 71.7 |
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Trihalomethanes |
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(TTHMs) (ppb) |
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Haloacetic Acids |
2020 |
Yes |
NA |
60 |
27.7 (max LRAA) |
12.5 to 32.9 |
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(HAAs) (ppb) |
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NOTE: Compliance is based on the running annual average at each location. The Highest Compliance Result reflects the highest average at any location and the Range Detected reflects all samples from this year used to calculate the running annual average. Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years could have problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
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DISINFECTANTS - Collected in the Distribution System and at the Treatment Plant
Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest |
Range |
Typical Source |
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(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Compliance Result |
Detected |
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Chlorine (ppm) |
2020 |
Yes |
MRDLG = 4 |
4 |
1.52 1 |
|
0.62 to 2.19 |
Water additive used to control microbes. |
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(Distribution |
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System) |
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Chlorine (ppm) |
2020 |
Yes |
MRDLG=4 |
4 |
0.91 2 |
|
0.91 to 2.23 |
Water additive used to control microbes. |
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(Entry point) |
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1 - Data represents the highest quarterly annual running average of chlorine residuals measured in distribution system of compliance samples. |
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2 - Data represents the lowest residual entering the distribution system from our surface water treatment plant. |
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TREATMENT BYPRODUCTS PRECURSOR REMOVAL - Collected at the Treatment Plant
Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
|
Range of % Removal |
Range of Removal |
Number of |
|
|
MCLG |
Quarters out of |
Typical Source |
||||||
(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Required |
Achieved |
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compliance |
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Total Organic |
2020 |
Yes |
NA |
TT: > |
24.8% to 41.9% |
0 |
Naturally present in the environment. |
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Carbon (ppm) |
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The treatment technique requirement for Total Organic Carbon was met 100% of the time in 2020. Alternative Compliance criteria value used in place of calculated value in some quarters since source or treated water TOC was less than 2.0 mg/L.
REGULATED SUBSTANCES - Collected at the Treatment Plant
Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest |
Range |
Typical Source |
|
(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Compliance Result |
Detected |
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|
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Alpha emitters |
2020 |
Yes |
0 |
15 |
<2.72 |
NA |
Erosion of natural deposits. |
|
(pCi/L) |
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Beta/photon |
2020 |
Yes |
0 |
50 |
<2.04 |
NA |
Decay of natural and |
|
emitters (pCi/L) |
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The MCL for Beta/photon emitters is written as 4 mrem/year. EPA considers 50 pCi/L as the level of concern for beta emitters. |
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TURBIDITY - Collected at the Treatment Plant
Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
MCL |
Amount |
Range |
|
Typical Source |
(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Detected |
Detected |
|
|||
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|
|
|
|||||
|
2020 |
Yes |
0 |
TT: Single result>1NTU |
0.14 |
0.03 to 0.14 |
|
Soil runoff. |
Turbidity1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(NTU) |
2020 |
Yes |
NA |
TT: At least 95% of |
100% |
NA |
|
Soil runoff. |
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samples <0.3 NTU |
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REGULATED SUBSTANCES |
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Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
MCL |
Compliance |
Range |
|
Typical Source |
(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Result |
Detected |
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Fluoride (ppm) |
|
|
|
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|
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Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes |
|
2020 |
Yes |
4 |
4 |
0.71 |
0.69 to 0.75 |
|
strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum |
|
(Distribution) |
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factories |
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Nitrate (ppm) |
2020 |
Yes |
10 |
10 |
0.44 |
0.21 to 0.44 |
Runoff from fertilizer use; industrial or domestic wastewater |
|
(Entry point) |
|
discharges; erosion of natural deposits. |
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OTHER SUBSTANCES OF INTEREST - Collected at the Treatment Plant |
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Substance |
Year |
Compliance |
MCLG |
Limit |
Average |
Range Detected |
Comments |
|
(with units) |
Sampled |
Achieved |
Compliance Result |
|||||
Iron2 (ppm) |
2020 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
<0.10 |
<0.10 |
|
Secondary standard limit = 0.3 mg/L |
Manganese2 |
2020 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
<0.010 |
<0.010 |
|
Secondary standard limit = 0.05 mg/L |
(ppm) |
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
Sodium3 (ppm) |
2020 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
7.2 |
6.3 to 8.0 |
|
Erosion of natural deposits; used in water treatment |
Alkalinity (ppm) |
2020 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
61 |
41 to 74 |
|
|
Hardness (ppm) |
2020 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
72 |
52 to 84 |
|
Naturally occurring |
Hardness |
2020 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
4.2 |
3.0 to 4.9 |
|
Naturally occurring |
(grains/gal) |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pH |
2020 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
7.3 |
7.2 to 7.5 |
|
|
Temp4 (Celsius) |
2020 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
19.6 |
9.0 to 30.2 |
|
|
Zinc(ppm) |
2020 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
0.17 |
0.14 to 0.20 |
|
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|
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1 – Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. Turbidity is monitored because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the filtration system. During 2020, 100% of all samples taken to measure turbidity met water quality standard of less than 0.3 NTU.
2 - Substances with Secondary MCLs do not have MCLGs and are not legally enforceable; these limits are primarily established to address aesthetic concerns.
3 - For healthy individuals, the sodium intake from water is not important because a much greater intake of sodium takes place from salt in the diet. However, sodium levels above the
recommended upper limit may be of concern to individuals on a sodium restricted diet.15
UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING
Unregulated contaminants are those for which the EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist the EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is necessary. Every five years, the EPA issues a new list of no more than 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored. For additional information call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426- 4791.
ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS OF INTEREST
Parameter |
Units |
Years |
Average Result |
Range Detected |
|
Typical Source |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bromochloroacetic Acid |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
2.1 |
|
0.8 to 3.4 |
|
|
Bromodichloroacetic acid |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
2.8 |
|
1.5 to 4.1 |
|
|
Chlorodibromoacetic acid |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
0.08 |
|
<0.3 to 0.4 |
|
|
Dibromoacetic Acid |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
0.05 |
|
<0.3 to 0.47 |
|
|
Dichloroacetic Acid |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
8.9 |
|
3.6 to 15 |
|
|
Monobromoacetic Acid |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
0.04 |
|
<0.3 to 0.32 |
|
|
Total Haloacetic Acids |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
23 |
|
11 to 38 |
|
|
Total Haloacetic Acids - Br |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
5.1 |
|
2.7 to 7.9 |
|
|
Total Haloacetic |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
28 |
|
13 to 45 |
|
|
Trichloroacetic Acid |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
13.5 |
|
7.1 to 23.0 |
|
|
Manganese |
|
ppb |
2018, 2019 |
|
0.6 |
|
<0.4 to 1.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Essential dietary element. |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Manganese test was performed on effluent water leaving the treatment plant and has a Secondary MCL of 50 ppb. |
|||||||||
Haloacetic acids test were performed on water in the distribution system. |
|
|
|
|
|||||
PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES |
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
UNREGULATED PERFLUORINATED COMPOUNDS |
||||||
Parameter |
Units |
Average Result |
Range Detected |
|
Typical Source |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Used for its emulsifier and surfactant properties in or as fluoropolymers (such as Teflon), |
||
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) |
ppt |
2.9 |
|
|
2.9 |
fire fighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, lubricants, paints, polishes, adhesives and |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
photographic films |
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) |
ppt |
3.3 |
|
|
3.3 |
Manmade chemical; used in products for stain, grease, heat and water resistance |
|||
16
UNREGULATED CONTAMINANT MONITORING RULE
Unregulated contaminants are those for which the EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist the EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is necessary. Every five years, the EPA issues a new list of no more than 30 unregulated contaminants to be monitored.
ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS OF INTEREST - Water Leaving the Treatment Facility)
Parameter |
Units |
Average Result |
Range Detected |
Typical Source |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bromochloroacetic Acid |
ppb |
1.9 |
0.8 to 2.6 |
||
Bromodichloroacetic acid |
ppb |
3.3 |
1.4 to 6.4 |
||
Chlorodibromoacetic acid |
ppb |
0 |
0 |
||
Dibromoacetic Acid |
ppb |
0 |
0 |
||
Dichloroacetic Acid |
ppb |
7.3 |
1.0 to 11 |
||
Monobromoacetic Acid |
ppb |
0 |
0 |
||
Total Haloacetic Acids |
ppb |
21.2 |
1.10 to 30.7 |
||
Total Haloacetic Acids - Br |
ppb |
4.3 |
2.5 to 6.0 |
||
Total Haloacetic |
ppb |
25.6 |
13 to 37 |
||
Trichloroacetic Acid |
ppb |
45.0 |
22.9 to 71.4 |
||
Manganese* |
ppb |
1.1 |
.7 to 1.5 |
||
Essential dietary element. |
|||||
|
|
|
|
* Manganese has a Secondary MCL of 50 ppb.
PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES
Per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are
UNREGULATED PERFLUORINATED COMPOUNDS
Parameter |
Units |
Average Result |
Range Detected |
Typical Source |
|
|
|
|
Used for its emulsifier and surfactant properties in or as fluoropolymers (such as Teflon), |
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) |
ppt |
2.9 |
2.9 |
fire fighting foams, cleaners, cosmetics, lubricants, paints, polishes, adhesives and |
|
|
|
|
photographic films |
Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFOS) |
ppt |
3.3 |
3.3 |
Manmade chemical; used in products for stain, grease, heat and water resistance |
17
WATER INFORMATION SOURCES
Tennessee American Water
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation(TDEC): www.tn.gov/environment
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA): www.epa.gov/safewater
Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
American Water Works Association: www.awwa.org
Water Quality Association: www.wqa.org
National Library of Medicine/National Institute of Health: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drinkingwater.html
18
Contaminants
Tennessee American Water
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 186625
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 17
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Nitrate
- Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Other Detected Contaminants
- 1%2C4-Dioxane
- 2%2C4-D
- Aluminum
- Barium
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
Chattanooga Tap Water
Chattanooga tap water has a terrible reputation. This is mainly because Chattanooga, Tennessee, has allowed chlorination to be added to the city’s tap water. Chlorination is a good way of cleaning your drinking water, but there have been concerns raised in Chattanooga tap water as to whether or not this practice is being done safely. What exactly is chlorination?
Chlorination is a method that uses chlorine to kill any bacteria or disease that may be present in your water. This is also an excellent method when it comes to purifying the water that is coming out of your taps. Still, it is essential to understand that chlorine is considered a hazardous substance by the International Water Improvement Association and the Environmental Protection Agency. It is highly dangerous because chlorine can easily interact with the natural chemicals in water and cause those chemicals to become unstable. This instability can then result in the growth of bacteria and disease. Many people have lost their lives because they drank contaminated water and did not even realize that they were doing so.
So, what does this all mean to you and your family? If you want to be as healthy as possible, you need to make sure that your tap water is free of chlorine. Suppose you already have high levels of chlorine in your water. In that case, you may want to consider installing a home water purifier to rid your water of any potential cancer-causing bacteria. By taking the time to purify your water, you will be ensuring that you and your loved ones remain as healthy as possible.
Chattanooga Drinking Water
Chattanooga drinking water treatment facilities have a lot to do with the quality of drinking fluid that’s in your home. If you’re like most people, your home is probably not among the best in water filtration and treatment. Chattanooga is one of the few areas in the U.S. where the quality of their tap water has become a cause for concern. Chattanooga is a large metropolitan area with a wide range of industries, so there are many chemicals used in the industrial process that can pollute the drinking supply. Chattanooga is fortunate enough to remove the pollutants that affect the drinking water, so they provide a much better quality of drinking fluid than most places.
This is why you must ensure that the source is a clean, untreated water source any time you are purchasing drinking fluid. Many cities and towns suffer from problems with their tap water quality, and Chattanooga is no exception. The drinking supply here is being treated much differently than in other places. The treatment centers are very good at what they do, and they are continually upgrading the technology they use.
A big part of this newer technology is carbon filtration. As you probably know, carbon filtration is one of the more recent methods of filtering water. Chattanooga has been using these types of treatment centers for a couple of years now. The water from Chattanooga is becoming cleaner and safer by the minute, and the treatment centers are working to keep this a priority. If you want to buy drinking fluid in Chattanooga, you can bet that your local treatment center will have all of the answers you need.
Chattanooga Water Quality Report
It’s sad to say that Chattanooga, Tennessee’s water quality report is no better than anywhere else in the nation. If you have kids, you know this already. No child should have to put up with eating raw spinach and drinking water that pharmaceuticals have contaminated. You buy milk in Wisconsin, do you? It would help if you didn’t have to buy it in Chattanooga, Tennessee, either.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, has the dubious distinction of being the dirtiest city in the entire United States. It also happens to be one of the most polluted. That’s not meant to be a knock against Chattanooga, Tennessee – it’s just the kind of city you’d expect to find after a trip to the hospital. You know the stuff that’s in your drinking water, or that’s been pumped into your groundwater supply: arsenic, radium, lead, lindane, and dozens of other toxic chemicals. These are not naturally occurring elements.
According to a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency, Chattanooga’s water quality report ranks 47th out of fifty cities in the United States. If that’s not bad enough, Chattanooga’s rate of cancer is above the national average, as well. So is your local water quality report? Not good. If you’re serviced by a treatment facility that uses EAC procedures, then the quality of your water should be up to at least the minimum EPA standard, but it should be far below it.
Chattanooga Water Treatment Plant
Chattanooga water treatment plant is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and serves Eastside and Lower Pool districts’ residents. This industrial facility has many different treatment options for your water, waste, and sewer. The entire plant is very technologically advanced, with over one hundred thousand cubic feet of water processing capacity. This water plant also provides various services such as pumping, conditioning, and pumping. There are separate buildings for the pumped water and general maintenance.
“We are pleased to announce that for the first time in more than twenty years we will be running our water processing & distribution facilities without a full-time plant manager. Early on in the process we identified an experienced general manger from California, with many years of management experience. This person agreed to move his four water processing plants to Chattanooga. This leaves us with a valuable position of having the upper hand in the market. He will bring tremendous industry knowledge and expertise that will help us grow our customer base and become a national leader in waste water and drinking water processing.”
Chattanooga is an excellent location for a large business, especially considering the high growth rate and outstanding economy. This move will enable the company to keep its present expansion rate and hopefully give it room to grow. This plant is the pride of Chattanooga and its primary customer, so this move is nothing but positive for everyone involved.
Chattanooga’s Water
Chattanooga’s water treatment facility is ranked among the top twenty in the United States. If you own a business that uses water for any purpose, this is a great place to be as you can be guaranteed clean, safe water for your products and supplies. The City of Chattanooga was recently rated as one of the top twenty cities in the United States for its water quality. You will never have to worry about the quality of your drinking water in Chattanooga again.
This article will discuss the history of the water that is treated in the City of Chattanooga. Chattanooga was incorporated in July nineteenth hundred and forty-five and became a new city with all of the same characteristics of an established community. Part of what makes Chattanooga so unique is that they have their water treatment plant not found anywhere else in Tennessee. Chattanooga is also a few cities in the United States that own all of its water.
Chattanooga is home to a primary power plant that produces five percent of the electricity in Tennessee’s entire state. The Chattanooga area has some of the most beautiful lands in the United States. Most of the world seems to look upon Chattanooga as being on the verge of greatness, and as such, when it comes to water, Chattanooga is at the head of the list. By having a clean, healthy, and affordable supply of water for all of its residents, Chattanooga citizens are assured of clean, safe water. The City of Chattanooga has been a leading advocate for clean coal technology, which is also a growing trend in other parts of the country and is proving to be a very effective method of water treatment.
Chattanooga Water Utility
Chattanooga, the water utility company, is a great place to be if you want to have your water service. It provides services to more than just the Chattanooga area because it serves all of Wilson, Chattanooga, and Middle Tennessee residents. Chattanooga is located in northern Georgia in the southeastern corner of Tennessee, its primary city location. With a Chattanooga water utility, you can have the best service anywhere in the county and have easy access to the rest of the country and the world.
There are many benefits that you can get from having your service with Chattanooga water utility. If you live in the Chattanooga area and are looking for good service, then you should consider getting your water supply from this city. They provide competitive rates on water and other services for the people of Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. This is a great way to build a better life in this beautiful city, especially if you own a small business and need the best service at affordable prices.
The best thing about getting your water supply from Chattanooga water utility is that they are always there when you need them. You don’t have to worry about where you’re going to get your water next to or how you’re going to pay for it. You can always rely on them, and they will be there every time. This is the best way to go about dealing with a water utility.
Chattanooga Surface Water
Chattanooga surface water is an excellent source of drinking water for many residents of the Blue Ridge Mountains area of eastern Tennessee. Chattanooga is located just south of the Appalachian Mountains and is bordered by Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The city is the eastern gateway to the Guispa and Roanoke mountain ranges. Its location makes it a convenient place to transport water between the mountains and the city of Nashville.
Chattanooga is a beautiful city with a beautiful view. It’s also loaded down with benefits for drinking water, recreational activities, and natural wildlife abounds. If you own a piece of land in this area, you may very well benefit from having a local water supply system in place. All of this can make for a quiet, relaxing time out in your backyard when you come back from a hard day of work.
Water from the Chattanooga surface comes from four different sources. There is an untreated water reservoir underneath Lake Blues, which is part of the Chattahoochee River. A second reservoir is located within the Lake Mary water treatment facility on the Lake Lee interstate. A groundwater recharge channel runs through Chattanooga’s hills, providing the water needed to sustain all of the city’s water needs. The last primary source is the Chattahoochee River, which is treated and distributed by several water districts.
Tennessee River
The Tennessee River is an important tributary of both the Mississippi and the Ohio Rivers. It is also one of the country’s most important rivers and forms a part of Tennessee and Alabama’s central American states. It is approximately 650 miles long and lies in the southeast U.S. in the Tennessee Valley region.
Much wild game and migratory birds and some endangered species call the Tennessee River an ‘essential waterway.’ Many people visit the river to enjoy various scenery along with the river’s excellent fishing opportunities. The fishing is perfect all year round, but the peak season (the time of year when the river is at its most excellent volume) is during spring through early June. Much commercial fishing is done during this period, especially on the Pigeon Forge and Wild Dunes Parkway. This is also the main period when wild trout, crappie, catfish, and other fish of various species are caught and sold on the Trousers River in Greenville, Miss.
Several large carp have been caught on the Trousers River, including the eight-foot blue catfish caught on July 4th, 2021. However, the biggest catch reported came from a bowler who acquired a 100-pound largemouth bass on August 7th, 2021. This bass was one of the biggest largemouth bass ever caught on the Trousers River. The fish was so giant that the bowler had to help him raise the fish into the boat. A tournament was being held on the Trousers River bridge, where this bass was caught.