Chattanooga, TN · PWSID TN0000107
Tennessee American Water lead service lines
2,368 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Tennessee American Water reported 2,368 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 91,571 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 39 lines. Another 43,208 (47%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #5 of 70 Tennessee systems with confirmed lead lines, and #203 nationally.
2.6% of Tennessee American Water's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's about the same as the Tennessee average (2.2%) and about the same as the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 2.6%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown 47%
- Non-lead 50%
Total service lines reported: 91,571. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 207,046; 86,994 connections.
Lead test results
Tennessee American Water's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2023–Dec 2025) was 1 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 2,368 in 2025 Q1 to 2,368 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 43,208 to 43,208, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations for Tennessee American Water since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Tennessee American Water's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It buys treated water from Hixson Utility District, Eastside Utility District. The seller treats the water, including corrosion control that keeps lead from dissolving out of pipes, while Tennessee American Water is responsible for its own service line inventory and replacement program. It sells water to 6 other water systems: Catoosa Util. Dist. Authority (GA), Fort Oglethorpe (GA), Dade County Water Authority (GA), Walker County Water Authority (GA), Eastside Utility District, Signal Mountain Water System.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Tennessee American Water whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Hamilton County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Tennessee American Water's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
373503735137402374033740437406374073740837409374103741137412374153742137450
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Hixson Utility District | 0 | 18,369 |
| Eastside Utility District | 57 | 6,178 |
| Savannah Valley U.D. | 0 | 3,013 |
| Northwest Utility District | 95 | 1,505 |
| Walden'S Ridge U.D. | 8 | 1,208 |
| Signal Mountain Water System | 0 | 0 |
| Union Fork-Bakewell U.D. | 0 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Tennessee American Water have lead pipes?
Yes. Tennessee American Water reported 2,368 lead service lines and 0 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 91,571 total. 43,208 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Tennessee American Water's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Tennessee American Water replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Tennessee American Water had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Tennessee American Water.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Tennessee American Water lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/tn/tennessee-american-water/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.