Tap Water Results

Is Cleveland, 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 Cleveland Utilities. 3 PFAS were detected below the limits.

2 public water systems serve parts of Cleveland. The largest, Cleveland Utilities, serves 95,087 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Cleveland Utilities

95,087 people · Surface water · EPA ID TN0000117

Buys treated water from Hiwassee Utility Commission, Eastside Utility District, Savannah Valley Utility District.

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

Full Cleveland Utilities results

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.

Cleveland homes and lead pipes

46%
of homes built before 1980 (Tennessee 41%, US 50%)
8%
built before 1950 (Tennessee 10%)
52%
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 Cleveland city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Cleveland

  • Ocoee Utility District
    21,082 people · Purchased surface water · Tennessee · lists this city
    PFOA detectedAlso: PFOS detected · PFHxS detected

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Chattanooga 23 mi
Tennessee American Water
Tennessee American WaterNone above limits1 ppb
Oak Ridge 63 mi
Oak Ridge Dept of Public Works
Oak Ridge Dept of Public WorksNone above limits2.91 ppb
Maryville 64 mi
South Blount Utility District
South Blount Utility DistrictNone above limits4.01 ppb
Knoxville 75 mi
Knoxville Utilities Board – KUB
Knoxville Utilities Board – KUBNone above limits0.6 ppb
Cookeville 76 mi
Cookeville Water Dept
Cookeville Water DeptNone above limits1 ppb
Shelbyville 92 mi
Shelbyville Water System
Shelbyville Water SystemAbove limit1 ppb
Cleveland ZIP codes (2)
  • 37311
  • 37312

Questions

Is Cleveland tap water safe to drink?

Cleveland 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 Cleveland, TN?

2 public water systems serve parts of Cleveland. The largest is Cleveland Utilities (95,087 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Cleveland tap water have PFAS?

Cleveland Utilities had 3 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Cleveland homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 46% of Cleveland 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. Cleveland 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.