Knoxville, TN: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
31 ZIP codes · 10 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Knoxville's water quality grade in TN reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How Knoxville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Knoxville, TN
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Knoxville's 31 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Knoxville Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0006 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,252 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.07 — above typical levels.
Knoxville's Water Providers
Residential water service in Knoxville, TN is divided among 3 separate utilities, drawn from 10 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 31 ZIP codes in Knoxville, Tennessee (population ~442,846), covering 10 community water systems serving approximately 700,919 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Knoxville — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Knoxville: C (66/100)
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
Knoxville water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0006 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 31 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37901 | B | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
| 37902 | B | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
| 37909 | B | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
| 37912 | C | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
| 37914 | C | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
| 37915 | C | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
| 37916 | B | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
| 37917 | C | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
| 37918 | C | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
| 37919 | C | Knoxville Utilities Board - Kub | 254,671 |
All ZIP Codes in Knoxville
- 37901 [B]
- 37902 [B]
- 37909 [B]
- 37912 [C]
- 37914 [C]
- 37915 [C]
- 37916 [B]
- 37917 [C]
- 37918 [C]
- 37919 [C]
- 37920 [C]
- 37921 [B]
- 37922 [C]
- 37923 [C]
- 37924 [B]
- 37927 [C]
- 37928 [C]
- 37929 [C]
- 37930 [C]
- 37931 [C]
- 37932 [B]
- 37933 [C]
- 37934 [C]
- 37938 [C]
- 37939 [C]
- 37940 [C]
- 37950 [C]
- 37995 [C]
- 37996 [C]
- 37997 [C]
- 37998 [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.
Knoxville 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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Knoxville
Remediation costs in Knoxville are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Knoxville are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,484–$3,071 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 23% above the Tennessee average.
Knoxville: 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.
Lead risk in Knoxville appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Knoxville: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Knoxville's NFIP record reflects high flood exposure — 543 claims spanning a long history of significant events, with 58% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated zones. High flood frequency increases the probability of water quality disruptions at each point in the supply chain: treatment facilities, transmission infrastructure, and private wells all face elevated stress risk when flooding is a recurring feature rather than a rare exception.
Knoxville has a significant flood history with 543 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $14,145 per claim. With 58% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$2,252</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 Knoxville
- 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Knoxville, TN