Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Metropolitan Nashville Public School District (TN): 3 Health Violations

38 ZIP codes · 28 water systems · 22,316,502 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Metropolitan Nashville Public School District: 5 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

C · 56
Avg Safety Score
38
ZIP Codes
28
Water Systems
85
Violations (5yr)
0.001 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
5
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 1
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Metropolitan Nashville Public School District in Tennessee spans 38 ZIP codes served by 28 community water systems, providing water to approximately 22,316,502 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (56/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 35/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 74% nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.001 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0062 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 38 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 5 of 38 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFBS, PFBA, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFOA, PFHpA.

Highest measured level: 0.0307 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

3 health-based violations recorded across 28 of 38 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 46 No 23
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 23 No 23
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 7 No 5
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 5 Yes 2
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 2 No 2
Contaminant 1052 Other 1 No 1
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 1 No 1

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

34 of 38 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. - homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
37064 Franklin D (43) 8 3 0.001 mg/L No
37027 Brentwood D (52) 4 0 0.001 mg/L No
37201 Nashville C (69) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37203 Nashville C (64) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37204 Nashville D (54) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37205 Nashville D (54) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37206 Nashville C (59) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37207 Nashville D (54) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37208 Nashville C (64) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37209 Nashville D (54) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37210 Nashville C (59) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37211 Nashville D (54) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37212 Nashville C (64) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37213 Nashville C (64) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37214 Nashville D (54) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37215 Nashville D (54) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37216 Nashville C (59) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37217 Nashville C (59) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37218 Nashville D (54) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37219 Nashville C (69) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37220 Nashville C (64) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37221 Nashville C (59) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37228 Nashville C (69) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37232 Nashville C (65) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37238 Nashville C (65) 3 0 0.0008 mg/L No
37015 Ashland City C (67) 2 0 0.001 mg/L No
37075 Hendersonville C (66) 1 0 0.001 mg/L No
37115 Madison C (55) 1 0 0.001 mg/L No
37013 Antioch F (35) 0 0 — —
37072 Goodlettsville D (40) 0 0 — —
37076 Hermitage D (40) 0 0 — —
37080 Joelton D (45) 0 0 — —
37086 La Vergne D (40) 0 0 — —
37122 Mount Juliet C (55) 0 0 0.001 mg/L No
37135 Nolensville C (62) 0 0 0.00617 mg/L No
37138 Old Hickory D (45) 0 0 — —
37143 Pegram D (50) 0 0 — —
37189 Whites Creek D (40) 0 0 — —

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
METRO WATER SERVICES 778,153 Surface water 37013, 37015, 37027 +32 more
CONSOLIDATED U.D. OF RUTHERFORD CO 221,871 Surface water 37086, 37122, 37135
WHITE HOUSE UTILITY DISTRICT 130,411 Surface water 37072, 37075
West Wilson Utility District 86,978 Surface water 37122, 37138
MADISON SUBURBAN U.D. 81,203 Surface water 37072, 37115, 37189 +2 more
FRANKLIN WATER DEPT 77,222 Surface water 37027, 37064, 37221
WATER AUTH OF DICKSON COUNTY 66,725 Surface water 37064
Spring Hill Water Department 65,840 Surface water 37064

28 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: MODERATE. Over 50.1% of housing in this district was built before 1986, when lead solder was commonly used in plumbing.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 50.1% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 12.5% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 14% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.001 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0062 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

1 health-based contaminant have triggered violations in this district: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 46 No 23
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 23 No 23
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 7 No 5
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 5 Yes 2
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 2 No 2
Contaminant 1052 Other 1 No 1
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 1 No 1

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 37027 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 37064 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 37064 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 37064 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 37075 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Metropolitan Nashville Public School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Metropolitan Nashville Public School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 3 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 5 of 38 ZIP codes. Current levels are below EPA maximums.
  • 50.1% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 5 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Metropolitan Nashville Public School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 5 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water - Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Metropolitan Nashville Public School District schools?

Water systems serving Metropolitan Nashville Public School District have recorded 3 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Metropolitan Nashville Public School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Metropolitan Nashville Public School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 5 of 38 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Metropolitan Nashville Public School District (TN): 3 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/metropolitan-nashville-public-school-district-tn/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-metropolitan-nashville-public-school-district-tn,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Metropolitan Nashville Public School District (TN): 3 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/metropolitan-nashville-public-school-district-tn/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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