Monterey, TN: 12 Violations — 68/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
If you're checking Monterey, TN tap water safety, the short answer is: average — violations are present in parts of the city and specifics depend on which water system serves your address.
How Monterey Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Monterey Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 12 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 44% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.09 — above typical levels.
Monterey's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Monterey, TN — 7 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Monterey, Tennessee (population ~8,812), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 76,029 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Monterey: C (68/100)
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
Monterey water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 1 |
| Contaminant 1920 | Other | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38574 | C | 12 | 0 | Monterey Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Monterey
- 38574 [C] — 12 violations
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.
Monterey 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
What's in Monterey's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Monterey Infrastructure Age
With 44% 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
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Monterey, the median build year of 1998 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Monterey were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Monterey
Given current Monterey valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Monterey are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 21% below the Tennessee average.
Monterey: 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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 44% of the Monterey inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Monterey
- 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. Filters rated for Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Monterey's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Monterey, TN