Dowelltown, TN Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current EPA data, Dowelltown, TN reflects fair but uneven tap water safety.
How Dowelltown Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Dowelltown Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 49% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.56 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Dowelltown
Structurally, Dowelltown, TN's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 4 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Dowelltown, Tennessee (population ~1,593), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 28,562 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Dowelltown — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dowelltown: C (55/100)
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
Dowelltown water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Dowelltown
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37059 | C | DEKALB UTILITY DISTRICT #1 | 17,960 |
All ZIP Codes in Dowelltown
- 37059 [C]
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.
CDC Health Data for Dowelltown
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
How Old Is Dowelltown's Housing Stock?
With 49% 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
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Dowelltown, the median build year of 1983 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Dowelltown 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.
Dowelltown: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Dowelltown sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Dowelltown are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 0% above the Tennessee average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Dowelltown
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.
Routinely in Dowelltown, where 49% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Dowelltown
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Dowelltown has accumulated 15 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Dowelltown has a moderate flood history with 15 FEMA claims averaging $10,394 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>$1,600</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 Dowelltown
- 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 49% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Dowelltown, TN