IS NASHVILLE TAP WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
UNDERSTANDING YOUR WATER SOURCE AND WHAT'S REALLY IN IT
Every day, 700,000+ Middle Tennessee residents turn on their taps without thinking twice about what's coming out. But increasingly, Nashville families are asking questions: Where does our water come from? What's actually in it? And while it may be legally "safe," is it optimal for our families? These aren't conspiracy theories—they're legitimate questions that deserve real answers about the water you drink, cook with, and bathe in every single day.
WHERE DOES NASHVILLE'S WATER ACTUALLY COME FROM?
Nashville's water begins its journey in the Cumberland River and its tributaries, traveling through two main treatment plants—K.R. Harrington and Omohundro. Before it reaches your tap, it's been on quite an adventure through Middle Tennessee's limestone-rich terrain, picking up minerals and requiring chemical treatment along the way.
THE JOURNEY TO YOUR TAP:
- Collected from Cumberland River and Percy Priest Reservoir
- Treated at facilities that process 90+ million gallons daily
- Disinfected with chlorine and chloramine to kill bacteria
- Traveled through miles of pipes, some dating back decades
- Picked up minerals from Tennessee's limestone bedrock
Franklin and Brentwood pull from additional sources including the Harpeth River, with treatment at different facilities. But regardless of which Williamson County city you're in, your water shares one thing in common: it's been heavily processed with chemicals to make it legally safe to drink.
WHAT NASHVILLE AREA WATER REALLY MEANS FOR FAMILIES
NASHVILLE'S 2024 CCR SHOWS THE WATER MEETS EPA LIMITS—BUT HERE'S WHAT ELSE:
– Chlorine by-products (TTHMs & HAA5) are present at levels up to 90–100× higher than health guidelines (per EWG).
– Nashville has confirmed 2,800 lead service lines, with 76,000 more still under review.
– Hard water from our limestone geology leaves scale on dishes and appliances.
Legally safe ≠ optimal. That’s why families add RO at the tap.
WHY IS THERE CHLORINE IN MY WATER?
If your tap water smells like a swimming pool, you're not imagining it. Nashville Metro Water, like most municipal systems, adds chlorine and chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to kill harmful bacteria. It's been standard practice since the early 1900s and prevents waterborne diseases.
THE CHLORINE TRADE-OFF: While chlorine keeps your water free from dangerous pathogens, it comes with unintended consequences:
- Creates that "pool water" taste and smell
- Can form disinfection byproducts when reacting with organic matter
- Continues to be active even after reaching your home
- Doesn't disappear just because it's done its job
The EPA regulates chlorine levels to be safe for consumption, but "safe to drink" and "optimal for your body" are two different standards. Many people don't realize that the same chemical keeping their water bacteria-free might be affecting their skin, hair, and overall water experience.
WHAT ARE FOREVER CHEMICALS (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in products like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and food packaging. They're called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally—not in the environment, and not in your body.
PFAS IN TENNESSEE WATER:
- Detected in water sources across Tennessee
- Accumulate in the human body over time
- 95% of Americans have PFAS in their bloodstream
- EPA issued new regulations in April 2024 due to health concerns
- Can persist in the body for years
These chemicals have been linked to various health concerns by the EPA and CDC, which is why new federal standards were just implemented. While Nashville water meets current legal limits, many families want to understand their exposure and options for reduction.
READY WHEN YOU ARE — BOOK A DEMO OR CALL US
NASHVILLE • FRANKLIN • BRENTWOOD • WILLIAMSON & DAVIDSON COUNTIES
BOOK A 15‑MIN WATER DISCOVERY CALL (best for asking questions, getting ideas and seeing if water filtration is a fit for you and your family)
Or call (615) 212‑8488 for the fastest install — We currently only serve Nashville • Franklin • Brentwood • Williamson & Davidson Counties.
DOES NASHVILLE HAVE HARD WATER?
If you've noticed white buildup on your faucets, spots on your dishes, or film on your shower doors, you're seeing the effects of hard water. Nashville's water averages 100.5 mg/L in hardness, classified as "moderately hard" to "hard."
WHAT CAUSES HARD WATER:
Middle Tennessee sits on limestone bedrock. As water moves through this geology, it picks up calcium and magnesium minerals. It's completely natural and won't harm your health, but it affects everything in your home:
- Leaves mineral deposits on fixtures and appliances
- Reduces soap's ability to lather
- Creates soap scum in showers and tubs
- Causes spotting on dishes and glassware
- Can make skin feel dry and hair feel brittle
- Shortens the life of water-using appliances
Hard water isn't a safety issue—it's a quality of life issue that affects how you clean, how your appliances run, and how your skin and hair feel.
ARE THERE MICROPLASTICS IN OUR WATER?
Microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters—have been found in water sources globally, including bottled water and tap water systems. These particles come from the breakdown of larger plastics, synthetic clothing fibers, and industrial processes.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT MICROPLASTICS:
- Found in water sources worldwide, including the U.S.
- Can be smaller than what standard filtration removes
- Research on health effects is ongoing
- The WHO states more research is needed
- No current federal regulations specifically for microplastics in drinking water
While scientists are still studying the long-term effects of microplastic consumption, many families prefer to take precautionary measures, especially given that these particles are a relatively new concern in human history.
DOES CHLORINE AFFECT SKIN AND HAIR?
That tight, itchy feeling after a shower? Your dry, brittle hair that won't hold moisture? It might not be your products—it might be your water. Chlorine and chloramine are oxidizers that continue working even after they've left the treatment plant.
HOW CHLORINE IMPACTS YOUR BODY:
ON YOUR SKIN:
- Strips natural oils that protect and moisturize
- Can trigger or worsen eczema and dermatitis
- May cause premature aging and dryness
- Absorbs through skin during showers and baths
ON YOUR HAIR:
- Removes natural oils, causing brittleness
- Can cause color-treated hair to fade faster
- May lead to increased hair breakage
- Creates dull, lifeless appearance
ADDITIONAL CONCERNS:
- Inhaling steam from hot showers means breathing chlorine vapor
- Children's sensitive skin may be more affected
- Can exacerbate existing skin conditions
Many dermatologists recommend minimizing chlorine exposure, especially for those with sensitive skin or existing conditions. Consult your dermatologist for more information.
IS OUR WATER REALLY SAFE?
"Safe" is a relative term. Nashville water meets all federal EPA standards for safety—it won't make you acutely ill, and it's tested regularly for regulated contaminants. But consider this:
WHAT "SAFE" MEANS:
- Meets minimum federal standards
- Won't cause immediate illness
- Tested for about 90 regulated contaminants
WHAT "SAFE" DOESN'T MEAN:
- Optimal for health and wellness
- Free from all concerning substances
- Best for your skin and hair
- Ideal for your home's plumbing and appliances
The EPA's standards are based on what's practical and affordable for municipalities to achieve, balanced with health risks. They're not based on what's optimal for human health or quality of life.
BOOK YOUR 15-MIN WATER DISCOVERY CALL
NASHVILLE • FRANKLIN • BRENTWOOD • WILLIAMSON & DAVIDSON COUNTIES
We’ll have a quick 15 minute call to go over any questions you have about water filtration and see if we are a fit.
For the fastest install, give us a call at (615) 212-8488.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR WATER QUALITY REPORT
Metro Water publishes an annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report), but most people don't know how to interpret it. Here's what to look for:
KEY SECTIONS TO UNDERSTAND:
- MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level allowed by law
- MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level at which there's no known health risk
- Detected Level: What's actually in your water
Notice that detected levels can be well below MCL but still present. Also, the report only covers regulated contaminants—emerging concerns like microplastics or many pharmaceuticals aren't included.
WHAT'S NOT IN THE REPORT:
- Aesthetic issues like hardness (unless extreme)
- Emerging contaminants not yet regulated
- How chemicals interact with each other
- Effects on sensitive individuals
- Impact on your home's plumbing
STRAIGHT ANSWERS TO SMART QUESTIONS
Understanding your tap water shouldn't require a chemistry degree. Nashville residents have real questions about what's coming out of their faucets—from that chlorine smell to concerns about emerging contaminants. We've compiled the most common questions people search about Middle Tennessee water quality, with straightforward answers based on municipal data and EPA guidelines.
"Clean water should be a given, not a mystery. Every Nashville family deserves to understand what they're drinking, cooking with, and bathing in every day."
Nashville's drinking water comes primarily from the Cumberland River and J. Percy Priest Reservoir. The water is treated at two main facilities: K.R. Harrington Water Treatment Plant and Omohundro Water Treatment Plant, which together process over 90 million gallons daily. Franklin and Brentwood also pull from the Harpeth River and other local sources, with water traveling through limestone-rich geology before treatment.
Metro Water Services uses chlorine and chloramine (chlorine combined with ammonia) to disinfect water and prevent bacterial growth. These chemicals remain active in the water as it travels through pipes to your home, which is why you can smell and taste them. While the levels meet EPA safety standards for drinking, many people find the pool-like smell unpleasant.
Nashville water averages 100.5 mg/L in hardness, which classifies it as moderately hard to hard water. This hardness comes from calcium and magnesium minerals picked up as water moves through Middle Tennessee's limestone bedrock. Williamson County typically sees 4.0 to 7.6 grains per gallon, causing scale buildup on fixtures and appliances.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as forever chemicals, have been detected in Tennessee waterways. In April 2024, the EPA finalized new drinking water standards for PFAS due to health concerns. While Nashville water meets current federal limits, these chemicals don't break down naturally and can accumulate in the body over time.
Metro Water's treated water doesn't contain lead when it leaves the treatment plants. However, lead can enter tap water through older service lines or home plumbing installed before 1986. Nashville has been working to replace lead service lines, but some older homes may still have lead pipes or fixtures that can leach lead into water.
Yes, chlorine can strip natural oils from skin and hair, potentially causing dryness, irritation, and brittleness. The oxidizing properties that make chlorine effective at killing bacteria also affect your body's natural protective oils. People with sensitive skin, eczema, or color-treated hair often notice the most significant effects from chlorinated water.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters that have been found in water sources globally, including tap and bottled water. These particles come from the breakdown of larger plastics and synthetic fibers. While research on health effects is ongoing, there are currently no federal regulations for microplastics in drinking water.
Metro Water Services tests water quality thousands of times per year at various points from source to tap. They test for over 100 different contaminants, including those regulated by the EPA. Results are published annually in the Consumer Confidence Report, though this only covers regulated contaminants, not emerging concerns.
Chlorine is a standalone disinfectant that dissipates relatively quickly. Chloramine is chlorine combined with ammonia, creating a more stable disinfectant that lasts longer in the distribution system. Nashville uses chloramine because it remains active throughout the water system, though it's harder to remove and can cause different taste and odor issues.
Nashville tap water meets EPA standards for pregnant women. However, some healthcare providers recommend additional precautions due to concerns about lead (in older homes), PFAS, and disinfection byproducts. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation, especially if you live in an older home.
Those white spots are mineral deposits from Nashville's hard water. When water evaporates, it leaves behind calcium and magnesium minerals that appear as white, chalky buildup. This is purely aesthetic and not harmful, but it's why many Middle Tennessee residents constantly battle spots on glassware and scale on fixtures.
Nashville water typically has a pH between 7.0 and 8.0, which is within the EPA's recommended range of 6.5 to 8.5. The pH can vary slightly based on treatment processes and the source water conditions. This neutral to slightly alkaline pH is considered normal and safe for drinking.
Nashville tap water must meet stricter EPA regulations than bottled water, which is regulated by the FDA. Tap water is tested more frequently and for more contaminants. However, tap water contains chloramine for disinfection and has higher mineral content, while bottled water may have been filtered to remove these elements.
Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals have been detected in water sources nationwide, though they're not currently regulated by the EPA. These come from medications that pass through the body or are improperly disposed of. While concentrations are extremely low, some families prefer additional filtration for peace of mind.
READY WHEN YOU ARE — BOOK A DEMO OR CALL US
NASHVILLE • FRANKLIN • BRENTWOOD • WILLIAMSON & DAVIDSON COUNTIES
BOOK A 15‑MIN WATER DISCOVERY CALL (best for asking questions, getting ideas and seeing if water filtration is a fit for you and your family)
Or call (615) 212‑8488 for the fastest install — We currently only serve Nashville • Franklin • Brentwood • Williamson & Davidson Counties.