Throughout Memphis and across its water systems, EPA compliance data for TN shows above-average performance — violations are minimal, none of the tracked systems have recorded repeated MCL exceedances in recent cycles, and the safety picture has held steady across multiple reporting periods.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

Water Quality Map: Memphis, TN

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 63 ZIP codes in Memphis, Tennessee, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 676,192 people.

No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Memphis — an excellent indicator of water quality.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Memphis: 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

Memphis water systems draw from: Groundwater.

Lead & Copper

• Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0047 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): 63 ZIP codes

Areas with No Violations

All ZIP Codes in Memphis

• 37501 [A]
• 37544 [A]
• 38101 [A]
• 38103 [A]
• 38104 [A]
• 38105 [A]
• 38106 [A]
• 38107 [A]
• 38108 [A]
• 38109 [A]
• 38111 [A]
• 38112 [A]
• 38113 [A]
• 38114 [A]
• 38115 [A]
• 38116 [A]
• 38117 [A]
• 38118 [A]
• 38119 [A]
• 38120 [A]
• 38122 [A]
• 38124 [A]
• 38125 [A]
• 38126 [A]
• 38127 [A]
• 38128 [A]
• 38130 [A]
• 38131 [A]
• 38132 [A]
• 38133 [A]
• 38134 [A]
• 38135 [A]
• 38136 [A]
• 38137 [A]
• 38141 [A]
• 38145 [A]
• 38147 [A]
• 38148 [A]
• 38150 [A]
• 38151 [A]
• 38152 [A]
• 38157 [A]
• 38159 [A]
• 38161 [A]
• 38163 [A]
• 38165 [A]
• 38166 [A]
• 38167 [A]
• 38168 [A]
• 38173 [A]
• 38174 [A]
• 38175 [A]
• 38177 [A]
• 38181 [A]
• 38182 [A]
• 38184 [A]
• 38186 [A]
• 38187 [A]
• 38188 [A]
• 38190 [A]
• 38193 [A]
• 38194 [A]
• 38197 [A]

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.

Memphis: Remediation Cost in Perspective

The cost-to-value ratio in Memphis is in the moderate range — neither dismissible nor alarming, but above the threshold where remediation can be treated as incidental. Most homeowners here are weighing a real equity commitment, and the moderate classification reflects that accurately.

Median Home Value

$129,700

Est. Remediation

$1,421

Remediation as % of home value 1.1%

Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Memphis. The estimated $952–$2,079 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 42% below the Tennessee average.

Protecting Children from Lead in Memphis

0.0047

mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

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 Memphis 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.

Climate-Related Water Risk for Memphis

Flood exposure in Memphis is substantial — 689 NFIP claims on record and 48% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated zones. That volume of documented flood activity places water-quality implications of flooding firmly in the active-risk category rather than the hypothetical.

689

Total FEMA Flood Claims

$18,330

Avg Claim Payout

48%

ZIPs in FEMA Flood Zones

~34

Est. Claims/Year

Memphis has a significant flood history with 689 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $18,330 per claim. With 48% 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>$1,421</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.