Chuckey, TN: High Radon Risk — 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Chuckey, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by TN EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Chuckey Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Chuckey Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 48% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $4,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.27 — above typical levels.
Chuckey's Water Providers
Residential water service in Chuckey, TN is divided among 3 separate utilities, drawn from 7 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Chuckey, Tennessee (population ~9,110), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 212,268 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Chuckey — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Chuckey: D (45/100)
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
Chuckey water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Chuckey
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37641 | D | GREENEVILLE WATER COMMISSION | 26,657 |
All ZIP Codes in Chuckey
- 37641 [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.
Chuckey 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
Chuckey Infrastructure Age
With 48% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Reading the housing data for Chuckey, with a median build year of 1982, reveals a community where neither old nor new construction dominates. That balanced profile means lead-solder-era plumbing is present throughout a meaningful portion of the residential inventory — with risk concentrated in properties built before 1986 and most acute in those that predate 1970.
Most homes in Chuckey 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 Chuckey
Viewed from a financial planning lens, Chuckey sits in the high remediation-share tier — the equity impact of addressing documented issues is material, and deliberate preparation is more than a convenience here.
At 2.3% of home value, remediation costs in Chuckey represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $3,000–$6,300. Home values here are 17% below the Tennessee average.
Chuckey: 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.
Households with kids in the home — for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — face a specific local picture in Chuckey. 48% of homes here come from the pre-rule era, and aggregate utility samples either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L. A baseline draw-test kit and certified lead-removal filtration are available via retailer networks for households confirming conditions at a specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Chuckey: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Chuckey's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 11 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Chuckey has a moderate flood history with 11 FEMA claims averaging $92,226 per payout. 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>$4,300</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 Chuckey
- 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. With 48% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 Chuckey, TN