Water Quality in Sugar Tree, TN: 9 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 76/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Sugar Tree's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Available EPA records for Sugar Tree, TN: 9 water compliance violations tied to local public water systems.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Sugar Tree
Water quality varies across Sugar Tree's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38380 | B | 76 | 9 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Sugar Tree, Tennessee receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 76 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Sugar Tree have accumulated 9 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 635 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Sugar Tree's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Sugar Tree water systems is 0.0003 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 42% of homes built before 1986, Sugar Tree has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Sugar Tree is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Sugar Tree
Sugar Tree is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 635 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Sugar Tree. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Sugar Tree
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Sugar Tree Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Sugar Tree's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Sugar Tree. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-01-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-09-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-02-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-09 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-06-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-06-15 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-01-17.
Sugar Tree vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities
How Sugar Tree's water quality compares to similar cities in Tennessee:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Tree | B | 9 | 1 | 635 |
| Gates | A | 2 | 1 | 670 |
| Hickory Valley | C | 0 | 1 | 702 |
| Saulsbury | A | 1 | 1 | 702 |
Common Questions About Sugar Tree Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Sugar Tree, Tennessee:
Is Sugar Tree water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Sugar Tree's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Sugar Tree tap water? Sugar Tree's water receives a grade of B (76/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Sugar Tree? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Sugar Tree vs. Tennessee Average
Understanding how Sugar Tree compares to the broader Tennessee average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Sugar Tree.
ZIP Codes in Sugar Tree
Sugar Tree spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 38380. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.