Telford, TN: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Telford, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by TN EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Telford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Telford Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 27% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.04 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Telford
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Telford, TN — out of 4 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Telford, Tennessee (population ~4,720), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 259,260 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Telford — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Telford: D (40/100)
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
Telford water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Telford
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37690 | D | JOHNSON CITY WATER DEPT | 105,057 |
All ZIP Codes in Telford
- 37690 [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.
CDC Health Data for Telford
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
How Old Is Telford's Housing Stock?
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
Lead exposure in tap water isn't just a function of what water utilities deliver — it's also shaped by the plumbing inside individual homes. Structures built before 1986 may contain lead-soldered copper joints, and homes built before 1970 face an additional risk from lead pipes themselves. Telford's median build year of 1993 suggests the housing stock is broadly weighted toward the safer post-1986 era, but the age distribution shown above makes clear that the pre-1986 share of the inventory still represents a meaningful fraction worth understanding for anyone in an older home.
Most homes in Telford 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.
Telford: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When remediation costs are measured against Telford home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Telford are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% below the Tennessee average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Telford
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.
Aggregate sampling rests beneath the federal action threshold here, while only 27% of Telford housing predates the solder rule change.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Telford
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Telford, TN