Sewanee, TN Water Safety: 97/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although water quality varies across any metro, Sewanee's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for TN — and documented violations are few.
How Sewanee Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Sewanee Water
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.75 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Sewanee
Water supply in Sewanee, TN follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 4 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Sewanee, Tennessee (population ~4,323), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 18,733 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sewanee — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sewanee: A (97/100)
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
Sewanee 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 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37375 | A | Sewanee Utility District | 5,970 |
| 37383 | A | Sewanee Utility District | 5,970 |
All ZIP Codes in Sewanee
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 Sewanee
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Sewanee Homeowners
In Sewanee, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in Sewanee are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 45% above the Tennessee average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Sewanee
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.
Lead risk in Sewanee appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Sewanee
Sewanee's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 3 NFIP claims on record and 50% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Sewanee has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $1,328 per payout. 50% 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>$1,200</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sewanee, TN