Grimsley, TN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Federal monitoring data for Grimsley puts the city in TN's lower safety tier — exceedances show up in multiple utility districts, several systems have met thresholds requiring public notification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the compliance deficit has persisted across more than one consecutive reporting cycle, with no clear reversal visible in the most recent data available.
How Grimsley Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Grimsley Water
- Homes built before 1986: 24% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.81 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Grimsley
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Grimsley, TN — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Grimsley, Tennessee (population ~1,106), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 16,845 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Grimsley — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Grimsley: 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
Grimsley water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Grimsley
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38565 | D | FENTRESS COUNTY U.D. | 16,845 |
All ZIP Codes in Grimsley
- 38565 [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.
Health Outcomes in Grimsley
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Grimsley
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
Cities with large shares of pre-1986 housing carry elevated aggregate risk from lead-soldered plumbing; Grimsley sits on the lower end of that spectrum. The median build year of 1993 reflects a housing stock in which post-ban construction is dominant — meaning lead-soldered copper joints are less prevalent across the city as a whole. Still, aggregate figures don't tell you what's happening inside a specific older home. Any structure built before 1986, and particularly those built before 1970 when lead pipes were commonly installed, can still present meaningful lead risk regardless of the city-wide picture.
Most homes in Grimsley 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.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Grimsley
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.
Aggregate sampling rests beneath the federal action threshold here, while only 24% of Grimsley housing predates the solder rule change.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Grimsley
- 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 Grimsley, TN