Birchwood, TN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water quality in Birchwood has lagged behind TN benchmarks — documented violations keep the safety grade low.
How Birchwood Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Birchwood Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 28% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.88 — above typical levels.
Birchwood's Water Providers
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Birchwood, TN, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Birchwood, Tennessee (population ~2,957), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 30,571 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Birchwood — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Birchwood: D (53/100)
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
Birchwood water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Birchwood
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37308 | D | SAVANNAH VALLEY U.D. | 30,571 |
All ZIP Codes in Birchwood
- 37308 [D]
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.
Birchwood Community Health Snapshot
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
Birchwood Infrastructure Age
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
Congress banned lead solder in residential plumbing in 1986, drawing a clear line in housing risk by era. Birchwood's median build year of 1993 puts most of its residential stock on the newer side of that boundary — a profile that generally correlates with lower plumbing-sourced lead exposure across the city.
Most homes in Birchwood 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Birchwood
In Birchwood, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Birchwood are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 7% above the Tennessee average.
Birchwood: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Since the federal solder ban took effect, new plumbing has been built without that pathway, and Birchwood's pre-rule stock at 28% reflects a contained footprint.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Birchwood
- 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.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Birchwood, TN