How much copper is in Knoxville water?

The maximum detected level of copper in Knoxville water is 0.888 ppb. The EPA limit is 1.3 mg/L (action level). See the ZIP code table above for area-specific levels.

Detected Copper

Copper in Knoxville, TN Drinking Water

Q: Is copper in Knoxville water safe?

Copper was detected in Knoxville water at 0.888 ppb, below the EPA limit of 1.3 mg/L (action level). Check ZIP-level data on this page for your specific area.

Copper data for Knoxville, Tennessee · 442,846 residents · 31 ZIP codes

ZipCheckup's reading of Copper in Knoxville, Tennessee: the highest detected level is 0.888 ppb; the EPA limit is 1.3 mg/L (action level). Copper carries a moderate health-risk designation.

At elevated levels, Copper is a recognized health concern in drinking water; in Knoxville, Tennessee, it has been detected in recent samples logged through federal compliance reporting.

0.888 ppb

Max Level Detected

0.89 ppb

Average Level

1.3 mg/L (action level)

EPA action level

Moderate

Health Risk

Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block

Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13

Copper in Knoxville Tap Water

Copper has been detected in Knoxville, Tennessee drinking water at a maximum level of 0.888 ppm — below the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L (action level).

This analysis covers 442,846 residents across 31 ZIP codes in Knoxville.

Knoxville's overall water quality grade is C (66/100).

Is Copper in Knoxville Water Safe?

Copper was detected in Knoxville water but currently falls within EPA limits. However, some health organizations argue the EPA action level may not be protective enough.

If you are concerned, a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter can reduce copper levels further.

Copper Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code	Copper Level	EPA Limit	Status
37938	0.888 ppm	1.3 mg/L (action level)	OK

Average copper level across Knoxville: 0.89 ppb

Health Effects of Copper

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
Infants are more sensitive than adults

Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.

How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water

Corrosion of copper household plumbing
Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)

What to Do About Copper in Knoxville Water

Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.

Home → Contaminants → Copper → Tennessee → Knoxville

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Copper in Knoxville, TN Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/copper/knoxville-tn/

BibTeX

@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-copper-knoxville-tn,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Copper in Knoxville, TN Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/copper/knoxville-tn/}
}

Data as of July 2026.