Darden, TN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Darden, TN tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Darden Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Darden Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 38% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.07 — above typical levels.
Darden's Water Providers
Darden, TN draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 3 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Darden, Tennessee (population ~1,011), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 33,752 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Darden — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Darden: 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
Darden water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Darden
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38328 | D | PARSONS WATER DEPARTMENT | 4,303 |
All ZIP Codes in Darden
- 38328 [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.
Darden 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
Darden 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
Over the decades, Darden accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1995 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Darden 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 Darden
Placing remediation in the context of Darden's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Darden are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 37% below the Tennessee average.
Darden: 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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 38% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Darden.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Darden
- 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 38% 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 Darden, TN