Hilham, TN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Systems across Hilham show elevated violation counts against TN benchmarks — the low safety grade reflects that ongoing compliance pattern.
How Hilham Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Hilham Water
- Homes built before 1986: 54% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.81 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Hilham
Structurally, Hilham, 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 Hilham, Tennessee (population ~1,989), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 26,658 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hilham — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hilham: 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
Hilham water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hilham
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38568 | D | LIVINGSTON WATER DEPT | 15,733 |
All ZIP Codes in Hilham
- 38568 [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 Hilham
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 Hilham
With 54% 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
Because the majority of Hilham's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1987 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Hilham were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Hilham Homeowners
Equity impact data for Hilham lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Hilham are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 16% below the Tennessee average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Hilham
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.
When older housing represents 54% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Hilham address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Hilham
- 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 54% 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 Hilham, TN