Tap Water Results

Is Germantown, 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 Germantown Water Dept.

Germantown Water Dept supplies Germantown (37,738 people).

Water system

Germantown Water Dept

37,738 people · Groundwater · EPA ID TN0000262

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: 1.9 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2025, 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.

Germantown homes and lead pipes

43%
of homes built before 1980 (Tennessee 41%, US 50%)
1%
built before 1950 (Tennessee 10%)
13%
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. How to check your own line.

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

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Collierville 5 mi
Collierville Water Dept
Collierville Water DeptNone above limits1 ppb
Memphis 11 mi
Memphis Light, Gas, & Water
Memphis Light, Gas, & WaterNone above limits4.73 ppb
Bartlett 11 mi
Bartlett Water System
Bartlett Water SystemNone above limits1 ppb
Jackson 66 mi
Jackson Water System
Jackson Water SystemAbove limit0.5 ppb
Columbia 159 mi
Columbia Power and Water Systems
Columbia Power and Water SystemsNone above limits1 ppb
Spring Hill 168 mi
Spring Hill Water Dept
Spring Hill Water DeptNone above limits0.5 ppb
Germantown ZIP codes (2)
  • 38138
  • 38139

Questions

Is Germantown tap water safe to drink?

Germantown Water Dept 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 Germantown, TN?

Germantown Water Dept, which serves 37,738 people.

Does Germantown tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Germantown Water Dept 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 Germantown homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 43% of Germantown 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. Germantown Water Dept'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.