CITY REPORT TN

Reliance, TN Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03

Public water data for Reliance, TN shows a low safety grade — health-based violations appear across a meaningful share of service areas in current EPA records.

How Reliance Compares

Reliance53/100
Tennessee avg69/100
National avg67/100

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

1
ZIP Codes
4
Water Systems
0
ZIPs with Violations
D · 53
Avg Safety Score
Zone 2
Radon Risk (Moderate)
$118K
Median Home Value
$400
Est. Remediation (0.3% of home value)

Key Facts for Reliance Residents

  • Homes built before 1986: 44% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 16.55 — above typical levels.

Reliance's Water Providers

At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Reliance, TN's residential water connections out of 4 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.

Ocoee Utility District
Serves ~21,082 people
53
/100
ETOWAH UTILITIES
Serves ~12,851 people
53
/100
TELLICO PLAINS WATER DEPT
Serves ~7,759 people
53
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Reliance, Tennessee (population ~489), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 44,183 people region-wide.

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

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Reliance: 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

Reliance water systems draw from: Groundwater.

Lead & Copper

  • Lead data: not yet available for Reliance
  • 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
37369 D BENTON WATER SYSTEM 2,491

All ZIP Codes in Reliance

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Reliance Community Health Snapshot

11.2%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
15.1%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
20.1%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 11.2% ↑
Diabetes 15.1% ↑
Mental Health 20.1% ↑

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

Reliance Infrastructure Age

1999
Median Build Year
44%
Built Before 1986
20%
Built Before 1970
Copper
Likely Pipe Material

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

Housing age is a practical proxy for plumbing risk because federal standards changed in 1986, when lead solder was banned from new residential construction, and again earlier — before 1970, lead pipes were themselves commonly installed. Reliance's median build year of 1999 sits in the range where both pre- and post-1986 homes are well represented. The bar chart above reflects that mixed picture: the distribution captures pockets of older housing alongside more recent development, and those pockets carry real lead risk potential at the individual property level.

1999
Median Year Built
44%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
20%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (20%) 1970–1986 (24%) Post-1986 (56%)

Most homes in Reliance 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 Reliance

Given current Reliance valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.

Median Home Value
$118,000
Est. Remediation
$400
Remediation as % of home value 0.3%

Remediation costs in Reliance are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 47% below the Tennessee average.

Reliance: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

44%
Homes Built Before 1986

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.

When older housing represents 44% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Reliance address.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

What You Can Do in Reliance

  1. 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.
  2. Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
  3. Check your home's plumbing. With 44% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
  4. Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Reliance, TN?
Reliance has an average water safety score of 53/100 (Grade D). No EPA violations on record. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
How does Reliance compare to Tennessee average?
Reliance has an average water safety score of 53/100, which is below the Tennessee state average of 69/100.
How many water systems serve Reliance?
Reliance is served by 4 public water systems across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 489 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Reliance?
Estimated remediation costs in Reliance average $400 per household, ranging from $0 to $800. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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