Whitwell, TN Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The water systems supplying Whitwell show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in TN.
How Whitwell Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Whitwell Residents
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.75 — above typical levels.
Whitwell's Water Providers
Water service in Whitwell, TN is split across 3 utilities out of 7 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Whitwell, Tennessee (population ~10,044), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 52,756 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Whitwell — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Whitwell: B (83/100)
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
Whitwell 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 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37397 | B | Tn American - Sequatchie Valley | 7,842 |
All ZIP Codes in Whitwell
- 37397 [B]
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.
Whitwell 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
Whitwell Infrastructure Age
With 51% 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
Two dates define the high-risk tiers of residential plumbing from a lead standpoint: 1970, before which lead pipes were commonly installed for service connections, and 1986, before which lead solder was standard in copper plumbing. A median build year of 1984 places Whitwell's housing distribution well within that older risk zone. The bar chart above breaks down how much of the stock falls into each era — and the pre-1986 share alone represents more than half the residential inventory, making plumbing-era risk a defining characteristic of the local water safety picture.
Over half of homes in Whitwell 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 Whitwell
Within the Whitwell market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Whitwell are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% below the Tennessee average.
Whitwell: 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.
Wherever 51% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Whitwell — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Whitwell: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Whitwell's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 2 NFIP claims on record and 100% 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.
Whitwell has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $7,103 per payout. 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>$1,600</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 Whitwell, TN