Water Quality in Johnson City, TN: 12 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Johnson City's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Federal EPA data for Johnson City, TN shows 12 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality Map: Johnson City, TN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Johnson City
Water quality varies across Johnson City's 6 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37601 | C | 56 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 37604 | C | 56 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 37602 | C | 62 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 37614 | C | 62 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 37605 | C | 66 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 37615 | C | 66 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Johnson City, Tennessee receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Johnson City have accumulated 12 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 6 ZIP codes serving approximately 105,057 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Johnson City's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Johnson City water systems is 0.0013 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Johnson City is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Johnson City
Johnson City is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 105,057 people across 6 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 18 enforcement actions against water systems serving Johnson City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Johnson City
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Johnson City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Johnson City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 6 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Johnson City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-06-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-02-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-02-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-06-13.
Johnson City vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities
How Johnson City's water quality compares to similar cities in Tennessee:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson City | C | 12 | 1 | 105,057 |
| Flag Pond | D | 0 | 1 | 105,057 |
| Limestone | D | 0 | 1 | 105,057 |
| Milligan College | D | 0 | 1 | 105,057 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Johnson City
Water quality varies across Johnson City's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37601 | 56 | C | 2 | 0 |
| 37604 | 56 | C | 2 | 0 |
| 37602 | 62 | C | 2 | 0 |
| 37614 | 62 | C | 2 | 0 |
| 37605 | 66 | C | 2 | 0 |
| 37615 | 66 | C | 2 | 0 |
Common Questions About Johnson City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Johnson City, Tennessee:
Is Johnson City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Johnson City's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Johnson City tap water? Johnson City's water receives a grade of C (61/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Johnson City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Johnson City vs. Tennessee Average
Understanding how Johnson City compares to the broader Tennessee average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Johnson City.
ZIP Codes in Johnson City
Johnson City spans 6 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 37601. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.