Water Quality in Monterey, TN: 12 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Monterey'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
On record with EPA: Monterey, TN has 12 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Monterey
Water quality varies across Monterey's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38574 | C | 68 | 12 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Monterey, Tennessee receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Monterey have accumulated 12 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 8,710 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Monterey'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 Monterey water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 44% of homes built before 1986, Monterey has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Monterey is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Monterey
Monterey is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 8,710 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Monterey. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Monterey
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 Monterey Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Monterey's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Monterey. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-12-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-08-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-06-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-03-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-12-06.
Monterey vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities
How Monterey's water quality compares to similar cities in Tennessee:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey | C | 12 | 3 | 8,710 |
| Allred | D | 0 | 1 | 8,628 |
| Rickman | B | 2 | 1 | 8,628 |
| Wilder | D | 0 | 1 | 8,628 |
Common Questions About Monterey Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Monterey, Tennessee:
Is Monterey water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Monterey's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Monterey tap water? Monterey's water receives a grade of C (68/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Monterey? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Monterey vs. Tennessee Average
Understanding how Monterey 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 Monterey.
ZIP Codes in Monterey
Monterey spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 38574. 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.