Water Quality in Big Sandy, TN: No Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 83/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Big Sandy's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
No EPA violations have been identified for Big Sandy, TN — 2 systems, all within federal limits.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Big Sandy
Water quality varies across Big Sandy's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38221 | B | 83 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Big Sandy, Tennessee receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 83 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 2 water systems serving Big Sandy. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Big Sandy's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Big Sandy water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 59% of homes built before 1986, Big Sandy has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Big Sandy is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Big Sandy
Big Sandy is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,920 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in Big Sandy
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Big Sandy vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities
How Big Sandy's water quality compares to similar cities in Tennessee:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Sandy | B | 0 | 2 | 1,920 |
| Watertown | C | 1 | 1 | 1,920 |
| Graysville | A | 6 | 1 | 1,888 |
| Ardmore | C | 3 | 1 | 1,886 |
Common Questions About Big Sandy Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Big Sandy, Tennessee:
Is Big Sandy water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Big Sandy's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Big Sandy tap water? Big Sandy's water receives a grade of B (83/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Big Sandy? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Big Sandy vs. Tennessee Average
Understanding how Big Sandy compares to the broader Tennessee average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Big Sandy.
ZIP Codes in Big Sandy
Big Sandy spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.