Martin, TN Water Safety: 95/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current TN EPA data, Martin's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How Martin Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Martin Water
- Average lead level: 0.0042 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.03 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Martin
Martin, TN is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 3 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Martin, Tennessee, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 15,273 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Martin — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Martin: A (95/100)
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
Martin water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0042 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38237 | A | Martin Water Department | 11,918 |
| 38238 | A | Martin Water Department | 11,918 |
All ZIP Codes in Martin
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 Martin
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Martin Homeowners
In Martin, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Martin are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 13% below the Tennessee average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Martin
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 Martin 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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Martin
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Martin has accumulated 14 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 50% 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.
Martin has a moderate flood history with 14 FEMA claims averaging $4,186 per payout. 50% 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>$1,200</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Martin, TN