CITY REPORT TN

Russellville, TN: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)

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

Water systems across Russellville produce average compliance results for TN overall — pockets with documented violations exist, and the variation between areas makes checking the specific system serving a given address the most useful step for residents here.

How Russellville Compares

Russellville66/100
Tennessee avg69/100
National avg67/100

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

1
ZIP Codes
4
Water Systems
0
ZIPs with Violations
C · 66
Avg Safety Score
Zone 1
Radon Risk (High)
$182K
Median Home Value
$1,700
Est. Remediation (0.9% of home value)

Key Facts for Russellville Residents

  • Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
  • Homes built before 1986: 39% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 15.87 — above typical levels.

Russellville's Water Providers

Residential addresses in Russellville, TN are served by 3 primary water providers out of 4 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.

MORRISTOWN UTILITIES COMMISSION
Serves ~39,883 people
66
/100
Russellville Whitesburg U.d.
Serves ~20,197 people
66
/100
OLD KNOXVILLE HWY U.D.
Serves ~8,296 people
66
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Russellville, Tennessee (population ~3,739), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 74,147 people region-wide.

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

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Russellville: C (66/100)

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

Russellville water systems draw from: 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 1 (High 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
37860 C Russellville Whitesburg U.d. 20,197

All ZIP Codes in Russellville

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Russellville Community Health Snapshot

11.1%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
15.2%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
20.6%
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 11.1% ↑
Diabetes 15.2% ↑
Mental Health 20.6% ↑

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

Russellville Infrastructure Age

1999
Median Build Year
39%
Built Before 1986
9%
Built Before 1970
Copper
Likely Pipe Material

Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).

Housing Age Profile

Over the decades, Russellville accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1999 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.

1999
Median Year Built
39%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
9%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (9%) 1970–1986 (30%) Post-1986 (61%)

Most homes in Russellville 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 Russellville

How much of a Russellville home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.

Median Home Value
$182,300
Est. Remediation
$1,700
Remediation as % of home value 0.9%

Remediation costs in Russellville are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 18% below the Tennessee average.

Russellville: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

39%
Homes Built Before 1986
0.001
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.

39% of Russellville housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.

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

What You Can Do in Russellville

  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 39% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Russellville, TN?
Russellville has an average water safety score of 66/100 (Grade C). No EPA violations on record. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
Does Russellville water have lead?
The average 90th-percentile lead level in Russellville is 0.001 mg/L. This is below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. Lead levels can vary by home — testing is recommended especially in older properties.
How does Russellville compare to Tennessee average?
Russellville has an average water safety score of 66/100, which is below the Tennessee state average of 69/100.
How many water systems serve Russellville?
Russellville is served by 4 public water systems across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 3,739 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Russellville?
Estimated remediation costs in Russellville average $1,700 per household, ranging from $1,100 to $2,300. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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