Saint Joseph, TN: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Saint Joseph, EPA data shows a below-average compliance pattern for TN — health-based violations are on file in several areas, and checking the specific system serving your address is a practical first step for concerned residents.
How Saint Joseph Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Saint Joseph Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 66% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.22 — above typical levels.
Saint Joseph's Water Providers
Residential water service in Saint Joseph, TN is divided among 2 separate utilities, drawn from 2 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Saint Joseph, Tennessee (population ~876), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,502 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Saint Joseph — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Saint Joseph: 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
Saint Joseph water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Saint Joseph
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38481 | D | LORETTO WATER DEPARTMENT | 4,773 |
All ZIP Codes in Saint Joseph
- 38481 [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.
Saint Joseph 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
Saint Joseph Infrastructure Age
With 66% 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
The lead that enters tap water in older homes often comes not from the municipal supply but from the home's own plumbing — from solder used in copper joints before the 1986 federal ban, or from lead pipes installed before 1970. In Saint Joseph, where the median build year is 1960, these older materials are widespread. More than half the residential stock predates the 1986 solder ban, and a significant fraction predates 1970 as well. For residents in those homes, the city-wide water quality picture is a less relevant frame than the specific materials inside their own walls and under their own street.
Over half of homes in Saint Joseph 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Saint Joseph
The cost-to-equity ratio for remediation in Saint Joseph is elevated — the financial planning challenge here is real and significant.
At 2.5% of home value, remediation costs in Saint Joseph represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $2,000–$4,000. Home values here are 45% below the Tennessee average.
Saint Joseph: 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.
Although utility-side compliance with federal Lead and Copper requirements remains the system reference, that compliance does not extend down into interior plumbing. With 66% of Saint Joseph stock built before the solder ban and aggregate readings at or beyond the action mark, a household-level sample becomes the practical way to close that information gap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Saint Joseph: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Saint Joseph's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 1 claim and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Saint Joseph has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Saint Joseph
- 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 66% 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 Saint Joseph, TN