Water Quality in Tellico Plains, TN: 8 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 69/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Tellico Plains's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Tellico Plains, TN has 8 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Tellico Plains
Water quality varies across Tellico Plains's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37385 | C | 69 | 8 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Tellico Plains, Tennessee receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 69 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Tellico Plains have accumulated 8 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 7,759 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Tellico Plains's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Tellico Plains water systems is 0.0005 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 44% of homes built before 1986, Tellico Plains 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
Tellico Plains is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 7,759 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 Tellico Plains. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Tellico Plains
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 Tellico Plains Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Tellico Plains's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 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 Tellico Plains. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-10-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-09-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-09-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-08-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-08-15 | State Formal Action |
| 2022-12-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-06-15 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-06-15.
Tellico Plains vs. Nearby Tennessee Cities
How Tellico Plains's water quality compares to similar cities in Tennessee:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tellico Plains | C | 8 | 1 | 7,759 |
| Coker Creek | D | 0 | 1 | 7,759 |
| Baxter | B | 4 | 1 | 7,781 |
| Buffalo Valley | D | 0 | 1 | 7,781 |
Common Questions About Tellico Plains Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Tellico Plains, Tennessee:
Is Tellico Plains water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Tellico Plains's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Tellico Plains tap water? Tellico Plains's water receives a grade of C (69/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Tellico Plains? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Tellico Plains vs. Tennessee Average
Understanding how Tellico Plains 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 Tellico Plains.
ZIP Codes in Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 37385. 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.