Old Fort, TN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for Old Fort shows a low safety grade within TN — compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the city currently holds a low grade in available EPA data.
How Old Fort Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Old Fort Water
- Homes built before 1986: 54% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.52 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Old Fort
In Old Fort, TN, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 2 leading providers out of 2 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Old Fort, Tennessee (population ~3,409), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 41,876 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Old Fort — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Old Fort: D (53/100)
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
Old Fort water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Old Fort
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37362 | D | Ocoee Utility District | 21,082 |
All ZIP Codes in Old Fort
- 37362 [D]
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 Old Fort
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Old Fort
With 54% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Old Fort is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1970 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Old Fort were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Old Fort Homeowners
In Old Fort, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Old Fort are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 48% below the Tennessee average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Old Fort
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 54% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Old Fort.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Old Fort
- 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. With 54% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Old Fort, TN