Big Rock, TN Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drilling into federal monitoring figures for Big Rock in TN, the pattern is middle-of-the-road — some utilities have documented MCL exceedances or treatment technique violations in recent years, while others have operated without a single flag, making the city's grade a genuine average rather than a rounded-down high.
How Big Rock Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Big Rock Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 24% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.93.
Water Systems Serving Big Rock
Throughout Big Rock, TN, water comes from one of 2 primary utilities out of 2 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Big Rock, Tennessee (population ~1,678), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 6,117 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Big Rock — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Big Rock: C (63/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Big Rock water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Big Rock
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37023 | C | North Stewart Utility District | 5,983 |
All ZIP Codes in Big Rock
- 37023 [C]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Big Rock
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Big Rock's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Copper plumbing joined with lead solder was standard practice through the mid-1980s — a design choice that federal regulators prohibited in 1986. Big Rock's residential inventory, centered around a median build year of 1994, is weighted toward the post-prohibition era. That context is relevant because the primary plumbing risk in older homes comes not from the municipal water supply but from what happens as water moves through lead-jointed pipes inside the structure — an exposure pathway that newer homes mostly avoid.
Most homes in Big Rock were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Big Rock: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Viewed from a financial planning lens, Big Rock sits in the moderate remediation-share tier — the equity impact of addressing documented issues is real, and deliberate preparation separates smooth outcomes from disruptive ones for most homeowners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Big Rock. The estimated $1,500–$4,100 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 16% below the Tennessee average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Big Rock
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
24% of housing in Big Rock predates the federal action against lead solder — a contained share — and aggregate readings stay beneath the regulatory benchmark. Lead therefore sits in a quiet position on the local water-quality picture, with single-home draws as the standard tool for confirming any one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Big Rock
1 FEMA flood insurance claim are on file for Big Rock, and 100% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Big Rock has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,700</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Big Rock
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Big Rock, TN