Can You Drink Tap Water in Johnson City?

Yes, Johnson City's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Johnson City 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 or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Johnson City's water utility, Johnson City Water Dept, 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 Johnson City Water Dept 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 Johnson City Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Johnson City 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 Johnson City's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Johnson City Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Johnson City Water Dept for Johnson City in Tennessee. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

Is there Lead in Johnson City Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Johnson City water system, Johnson City Water Dept, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.001 mg/L of lead in Johnson City water. This is 6.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Johnson City contained more lead.

While Johnson City water testing may have found 0.001 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 Johnson City 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 - BRISTOL TN NWIRP - near Johnson City 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 Johnson City 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. Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed. Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive). Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions. Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement. show details
Health-Based?	Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code	The category of violation that is reported. TT - Treatment Technique Violation MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Other - Other Violation MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation MR - Monitoring and Reporting MON - Monitoring Violation RPT - Reporting Violation show details
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. 110 - Total Coliform Rule 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule 130 - Filter Backwash Rule 140 - Ground Water Rule 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule 230 - Total Trihalomethanes 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals 331 - Nitrates 332 - Arsenic 333 - Inorganic Chemicals 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals 340 - Radionuclides 350 - Lead and Copper Rule 410 - Public Notice Rule 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule 430 - Miscellaneous 500 - Not Regulated 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule show details
Rule Group Code	Code that uniquely identifies a rule group. 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules 130 - Filter Backwash Rule 140 - Groundwater Rule 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule 230 - Total Trihalomethanes 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals 330 - Inorganic Chemicals 340 - Radionuclides 350 - Lead and Copper Rule 400 - Other 500 - Not Regulated 110 - Total Coliform Rules 410 - Public Notice Rule 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule 430 - Miscellaneous show details
Rule Family Code	Code for rule family. 100 - Microbials 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule 300 - Chemicals 400 - Other 500 - Not Regulated show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Johnson City Water - Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF MY WATER?

The Johnson City Water and Sewer Services Department is pleased to share this water quality report with you. It describes to you, our customer, the quality of your drinking water. This report covers January through December 2020. Johnson City’s drinking water surpassed the strict regulations of both the State of Tennessee and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which requires all water suppliers to provide reports like this every year to each customer. The City of Johnson City relies on water from the Watauga River and Unicoi Springs. The Watauga and Unicoi plants treat water using filtration and disinfection to remove or reduce harmful contaminants in the source water. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has a Source Water Assessment available for review at: https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/wr-water-resources/water-quality/ source-water-assessment.html. The Source Water Assessment determined that the Watauga River is highly susceptible, while the Unicoi Springs are moderately susceptible. The City of Johnson City operates both water and sewer infrastructure inside the corporate limits of Johnson City and in portions of four counties outside the city limits. Each year, the Water and Sewer Services Department treats over 5.3 billion gallons of potable water and processes over 6.5 billion gallons of wastewater. 2 drinking water treatment plants; 3 wastewater treatment plants; 105 water storage reservoirs, booster stations and pressure reducing valves; 99 wastewater lift stations; 967 miles of water lines; and 748 miles of wastewater collection lines. The Johnson City Water and Sewer Services Department routinely conducts inspections for cross connections between a customer’s service and the public water supply to protect water quality. A cross connection is a direct arrangement of plumbing that allows the potable water supply to be connected to a line that contains a contaminant or non-potable water. Examples of cross connections are direct connections of customers’ plumbing with lawn irrigation systems, fire protection systems, pools, saunas, hot tubs, decorative fountains, auxiliary intakes (i.e. wells, cisterns, ponds, etc.) or home water treatment systems. Installation of backflow preventers will separate these types of installments from drinking water supply lines. Submerged water hoses can also create a cross connection. Never submerge or connect a water hose with any substance that you wouldn’t want drawn back into your plumbing in the event of pressure drop within the City’s water supply lines. If you have any questions regarding cross connections, please contact the department at 423-975-2602. For more information about your drinking water and for opportunities to get more involved, please call Chief Water Plant Operator Michael Tolbert at 423-975-2646 or 423-975-2648; or write to: Johnson City Water & Sewer Services, P.O. Box 2466, Johnson City, TN 37605. You are welcomed and encouraged to attend City Commission meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St. These meetings are also televised on Charter Communications Channel 192 and Comcast Cable Channel 17 and available via live stream at http://www.johnsoncitytn.org/streaming/. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791). Generally, sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled) include rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, natural springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or under the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals and human activity.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF MY WATER?

The City of Johnson City relies on water from the Watauga River and Unicoi Springs. The Watauga and Unicoi plants treat water using filtration and disinfection to remove or reduce harmful contaminants in the source water. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has a Source Water Assessment available for review at: https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/wr-water-resources/water-quality/ source-water-assessment.html. The Source Water Assessment determined that the Watauga River is highly susceptible, while the Unicoi Springs are moderately susceptible. The City of Johnson City operates both water and sewer infrastructure inside the corporate limits of Johnson City and in portions of four counties outside the city limits. Each year, the Water and Sewer Services Department treats over 5.3 billion gallons of potable water and processes over 6.5 billion gallons of wastewater. 2 drinking water treatment plants; 3 wastewater treatment plants; 105 water storage reservoirs, booster stations and pressure reducing valves; 99 wastewater lift stations; 967 miles of water lines; and 748 miles of wastewater collection lines. The Johnson City Water and Sewer Services Department routinely conducts inspections for cross connections between a customer’s service and the public water supply to protect water quality. A cross connection is a direct arrangement of plumbing that allows the potable water supply to be connected to a line that contains a contaminant or non-potable water. Examples of cross connections are direct connections of customers’ plumbing with lawn irrigation systems, fire protection systems, pools, saunas, hot tubs, decorative fountains, auxiliary intakes (i.e. wells, cisterns, ponds, etc.) or home water treatment systems. Installation of backflow preventers will separate these types of installments from drinking water supply lines. Submerged water hoses can also create a cross connection. Never submerge or connect a water hose with any substance that you wouldn’t want drawn back into your plumbing in the event of pressure drop within the City’s water supply lines. If you have any questions regarding cross connections, please contact the department at 423-975-2602. For more information about your drinking water and for opportunities to get more involved, please call Chief Water Plant Operator Michael Tolbert at 423-975-2646 or 423-975-2648; or write to: Johnson City Water & Sewer Services, P.O. Box 2466, Johnson City, TN 37605. You are welcomed and encouraged to attend City Commission meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St. These meetings are also televised on Charter Communications Channel 192 and Comcast Cable Channel 17 and available via live stream at http://www.johnsoncitytn.org/streaming/. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791). Generally, sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled) include rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, natural springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or under the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals and human activity.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

For more information about your drinking water and for opportunities to get more involved, please call Chief Water Plant Operator Michael Tolbert at 423-975-2646 or 423-975-2648; or write to: Johnson City Water & Sewer Services, P.O. Box 2466, Johnson City, TN 37605. You are welcomed and encouraged to attend City Commission meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of the Municipal and Safety Building, 601 E. Main St. These meetings are also televised on Charter Communications Channel 192 and Comcast Cable Channel 17 and available via live stream at http://www.johnsoncitytn.org/streaming/. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791). Generally, sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled) include rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, natural springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or under the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals and human activity.

HOW DO I CONTACT JOHNSON CITY CUSTOMER SERVICE?

To contact customer service for the Johnson City water provider, Johnson City Water Dept, please use the information below.

By Mail:

P.O. BOX 2150
JOHNSON CITY, TN, 37605

HOW TO PAY BILL FOR JOHNSON CITY WATER DEPT

Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Johnson City Water Dept account to pay their Johnson City water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Johnson City Water Dept 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 Johnson City water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Johnson City 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.

HOW TO START & STOP JOHNSON CITY WATER SERVICE

Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Johnson City means you will often need to put the water in your name with Johnson City Water Dept. 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.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Johnson City means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Johnson City Water Dept. 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.

Stop Service Form

$1.83 in USD (1.5-liter)

Johnson City tap water

Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 6% Very Low
Water Pollution 13% Very Low
Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 94% Very High
Water Quality 88% Very High

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Johnson City, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Johnson City 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 Johnson City's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

WHAT IS THE QUALITY OF MY WATER?

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF MY WATER?

OUR FACILITIES INCLUDE:

2 drinking water treatment plants; 3 wastewater treatment plants; 105 water storage reservoirs, booster stations and pressure reducing valves; 99 wastewater lift stations; 967 miles of water lines; and 748 miles of wastewater collection lines.

CROSS CONNECTION:

The Johnson City Water and Sewer Services Department routinely conducts inspections for cross connections between a customer’s service and the public water supply to protect water quality. A cross connection is a direct arrangement of plumbing that allows the potable water supply to be connected to a line that contains a contaminant or non-potable water. Examples of cross connections are direct connections of customers’ plumbing with lawn irrigation systems, fire protection systems, pools, saunas, hot tubs, decorative fountains, auxiliary intakes (i.e. wells, cisterns, ponds, etc.) or home water treatment systems. Installation of backflow preventers will separate these types of installments from drinking water supply lines. Submerged water hoses can also create a cross connection. Never submerge or connect a water hose with any substance that you wouldn’t want drawn back into your plumbing in the event of pressure drop within the City’s water supply lines. If you have any questions regarding cross connections, please contact the department at 423-975-2602.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

WHY ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN MY WATER?

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

Generally, sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled) include rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, natural springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or under the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals and human activity.

Some people may be more vulnerable than the general population to contaminants in drinking water. Immunocompromised people such as those with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, people who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk for infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791.

Contaminant	Unit	MCLG	MCL EPA’s	Level	Range	Violation	1Year	Potential Source of
Contaminant	Unit	Health	Limits	Detected	Detected	(Yes/No) Sampled		Contamination
		Goal	Limits	Detected	Detected	(Yes/No) Sampled		Contamination
		Goal

Microbial Contaminants
Total Coliform	N/A	0	TT	0.00%	0	NO	2020	Naturally present in the environment
Bacteria	N/A	0	TT	0.00%	0	NO	2020	Naturally present in the environment
Bacteria

2Turbidity	NTU	N/A	TT	0.26	0.02-0.26	NO	2020	Soil runoff

3Total Organic	ppm	N/A	TT	0.55	N/D-0.715	NO	2020	Naturally present in the environment
Carbon	ppm	N/A	TT	(average)	N/D-0.715	NO	2020	Naturally present in the environment
Carbon				(average)

Inorganic Contaminants
Copper	ppm	1.3	1.3	0.177	0 of 52	NO	2020	Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
			1.3	0.177	samples above			Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
			(action level)	(90th percentile)	samples above			erosion of natural deposits
			(action level)	(90th percentile)	action level			erosion of natural deposits
					action level

Fluoride	ppm	4	4	0.7	0.5-0.9	NO	2020	Erosion of natural deposits; water additive to
Fluoride	ppm	4	4	(average)	0.5-0.9	NO	2020	promote strong teeth
				(average)				promote strong teeth

Lead	ppb	0	15	2.0	1 of 52	NO	2020	Corrosion of household plumbing systems;
Lead	ppb	0	(action level)	(90th percentile)	samples above	NO	2020	erosion of natural deposits
			(action level)	(90th percentile)	action level			erosion of natural deposits
					action level

Byproduct of Drinking Water Chlorination/Disinfection
Haloacetic Acids	ppb	N/A	60	19.6	5.60-27.00	NO	2020	Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
(HAA5)	ppb	N/A	60	(running annual	5.60-27.00	NO	2020	Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
(HAA5)				average)
				average)

Total Trihalomethanes	ppb	0	80	38.2	10.0-67.00	NO	2020	Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
(TTHMs)	ppb	0	80	(running annual	10.0-67.00	NO	2020	Byproduct of drinking water disinfection
(TTHMs)				average)
				average)

Unregulated Substances

Unregulated contaminant monitoring helps EPA to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether it needs to regulate those contaminants

Sodiumppm N/A N/A 5.06 (average) 3.31-6.81 NO 2020 Naturally occurring

Disinfectant	Unit	MRDLG	MRDL	Level	Range	Violation	1Year	Potential Source of
				Detected	Detected	(Yes/No)	Sampled	Contamination

Chlorine	ppm	4	4	1.69	1.00-2.30	NO	2020	Water additive used to control microbes
				(running annual
				average)

UCMR4: Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring

Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is warranted. For additional information call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Manganese	ppb	N/A	N/A	8.32 (avg. ug/L)	ND-46.4 ug/L	NO	2019-2020	Naturally occurring

HAA9 Group	ppb	N/A	N/A	16.21 (avg. ug/L)	7.7-34.5 ug/L	NO	2019-2020	Byproduct of drinking water disinfection

The state allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not frequently change. Some of our data, though accurate, is more than one year old.
Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. It is monitored because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.
The EPA has two requirements: (1) That the maximum level found must be less than 5.0 NTU; (2) That the level must be under 0.3 NTU 95% of the time. 100% of our monthly samples were below the turbidity limit for 2020.
We met the treatment technique requirements for Total Organic Carbon in 2020.

DEFINITIONS:

90th Percentile: 90% of the samples are equal to or less than the number on the chart. Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

MCL or Maximum Contaminant Level: The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed

in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available technology.

MCLG or Maximum Contaminant Level Goal: The level of a contaminant in drinking water, below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

MRDLG or Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal: The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

MRDL or Maximum Residual Disinfectant: The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants.

NTU or Nephelometric Turbidity: A measure of clarity.

N/A: Not Applicable ppb or parts per billion: Micrograms per liter (ug/l). One part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.

ppm or parts per million: Milligrams per liter (mg/l). One part per million corresponds to one minute in 2 years, or a single penny in $10,000.

or Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

www.johnsoncitytn.org

CONTAMINANTS THAT MAY BE PRESENT INCLUDE:

Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife

Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming

Radioactive contaminants which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities

Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic stations

Pesticides and herbicides may come from a variety of sources such as agricultural, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

LEAD IN DRINKING WATER:

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The City of Johnson City is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. If water has been sitting for several hours, minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are

concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. For more information on testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure, call 1-800-426-4791 or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

WATER SYSTEM SECURITY:

We realize that our customers are concerned about the security of their drinking water. We urge the public to report any suspicious activities at any utility facility, including treatment plants, pumping stations,

tanks, fire hydrants, etc. to 423-461-1643 or 423-975-2648.

Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien

WATER & SEWER SERVICES que lo entienda bien.

Contaminants

Johnson City Water Department

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: 107150
Data available: 2012-2017
Data Source: Surface water
Total: 13

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

Bromodichloromethane
Chloroform
Chromium (hexavalent)
Nitrate
Nitrate and nitrite
Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Other Detected Contaminants

Barium
Chlorate
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

echo.epa.gov/detailed-facility-report?fid=TN0000331&sys=SDWIS

epa.gov/sdwa/drinking-water-regulations-under-development-or-review

epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water

cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris_drafts/recordisplay.cfm?deid=343951

epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/revised-lead-and-copper-rule

epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-and-pfos

johnsoncitytn.org/water_sewer_services.php

media.defense.gov/2020/Mar/17/2002265607/-1/-1/1/SPREADSHEET_OF_INSTALLATIONS_WHERE_DOD_PERFORMING_ASSESSMENT_OF_PFAS_USE_OR_POTENTIAL_RELEASE.PDF

ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/

echo.epa.gov/help/reports/dfr-data-dictionary#pollutants

Additional Resources

ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=TN0000331

Is Johnson City Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Johnson City?

Water Quality Report for Johnson City Tap Water

Johnson City Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Is there Lead in Johnson City Water?

Are there PFAS in Johnson City Tap Water?