Tap Water Results

Is Bristol, TN tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Bristol Dept of Utilities.

3 public water systems serve parts of Bristol. The largest, Bristol Dept of Utilities, serves 37,648 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Bristol Dept of Utilities

37,648 people · Surface water · EPA ID TN0000073

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 1 ppb at the 90th percentile (Nov 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across Tennessee, 17 of 275 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 0 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Tennessee results.

Bristol homes and lead pipes

63%
of homes built before 1980 (Tennessee 41%, US 50%)
22%
built before 1950 (Tennessee 10%)
33%
of households rent (Tennessee 33%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Bristol city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Bristol

  • South Fork Utility District
    10,229 people · Purchased surface water · Tennessee · reported ZIPs here
    No PFAS above limits
  • Bristol-Bluff City Utility District
    6,268 people · Surface water · Tennessee · lists this city
    No PFAS above limits

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Johnson City 17 mi
Johnson City Water Dept
Johnson City Water DeptNone above limits1 ppb
Kingsport 18 mi
Kingsport Water Dept
Kingsport Water DeptNone above limits1 ppb
Morristown 65 mi
Morristown Utilities Commission
Morristown Utilities CommissionNone above limits2.7 ppb
Knoxville 104 mi
Knoxville Utilities Board – KUB
Knoxville Utilities Board – KUBNone above limits0.6 ppb
Maryville 113 mi
South Blount Utility District
South Blount Utility DistrictNone above limits4.01 ppb
Oak Ridge 122 mi
Oak Ridge Dept of Public Works
Oak Ridge Dept of Public WorksNone above limits2.91 ppb
Bristol ZIP codes (1)
  • 37620

Questions

Is Bristol tap water safe to drink?

Bristol Dept of Utilities has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Bristol, TN?

3 public water systems serve parts of Bristol. The largest is Bristol Dept of Utilities (37,648 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Bristol tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Bristol Dept of Utilities had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Bristol homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 63% of Bristol homes as built before 1980 (Tennessee: 41%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Bristol Dept of Utilities's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.