Cookeville, TN: 35 Violations — 72/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 13 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The water systems supplying Cookeville show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in TN.
How Cookeville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Cookeville, TN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Cookeville's 5 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Cookeville Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 35 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,120 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.09 — above typical levels.
Cookeville's Water Providers
With 3 utilities splitting service in Cookeville, TN, water accountability is distributed across 13 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Cookeville, Tennessee (population ~72,983), covering 13 community water systems serving approximately 117,811 people region-wide.
5 of 5 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cookeville: B (72/100)
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
Cookeville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 5 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 18 | 5 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 12 | 5 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 12 | 5 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38501 | C | 7 | 0 | Cookeville Water Department |
| 38502 | B | 7 | 0 | Cookeville Water Department |
| 38503 | B | 7 | 0 | Cookeville Water Department |
| 38505 | B | 7 | 0 | Cookeville Water Department |
| 38506 | C | 7 | 0 | Cookeville Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Cookeville
- 38501 [C] — 7 violations
- 38502 [B] — 7 violations
- 38503 [B] — 7 violations
- 38505 [B] — 7 violations
- 38506 [C] — 7 violations
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.
Cookeville 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
What's in Cookeville's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Cookeville
Given current Cookeville valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Cookeville are relatively low compared to home values. The $480–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 15% above the Tennessee average.
Cookeville: 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.
Lead risk in Cookeville appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Cookeville: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
40% of ZIP codes in Cookeville are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 34 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
Cookeville has a moderate flood history with 34 FEMA claims averaging $32,777 per payout. 40% 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>$1,120</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cookeville, TN