Knoxville Water Quality at a Glance
moderate concerns
Is Knoxville Water Safe to Drink?
Generally Yes, With Moderate Precautions – Knoxville’s water meets all federal standards and shows no detectable PFAS contamination as of 2024. However, the city has elevated levels of disinfection byproducts (272x above health guidelines) and moderate chromium-6 levels (2.5x above guidelines). KUB performs over 100,000 water quality tests annually and maintains excellent compliance with federal standards.
⚠️ Key Considerations for Knoxville Residents
- Disinfection Byproducts: Total trihalomethanes at 40.8 ppb (272x above EWG guidelines); haloacetic acids at 30.1-40.0 ppb
- Source Water Quality: Tennessee River provides over 30 million gallons daily; treated at Mark B. Whitaker Plant with triple disinfection
- Chromium-6: Detected at 0.0505 ppb (2.5x above health guidelines); much lower than many other cities
- Lead Service Lines: KUB reports no evidence of lead lines found in distribution system after recent EPA-required inventory
Read the full report below for detailed analysis, specific contaminant data, and actionable recommendations for Knoxville residents.
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Knoxville – Tennessee – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) provides comprehensive water services to approximately 236,000 residents across Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. Established in 1939 as an independent municipal utility, the system draws water from the Tennessee River and processes it at the state-of-the-art Mark B. Whitaker Water Treatment Plant. With a daily capacity to treat over 30 million gallons, KUB delivers clean, safe drinking water through an extensive distribution network that serves the heart of East Tennessee.
KUB sources its drinking water exclusively from the Tennessee River, utilizing advanced surface water treatment technologies at their primary facility. The utility maintains one of Tennessee’s largest state-certified water quality laboratories, conducting over 100,000 tests annually for more than 150 contaminants—far exceeding EPA and state requirements. KUB’s water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards, with the utility investing significantly in infrastructure modernization, environmental stewardship, and emerging contaminant monitoring to ensure safe water delivery for current and future generations.
Knoxville Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: KUB has completed EPA-required service line inventory and found no evidence of lead service lines throughout the water distribution system, with zero out of sampled households exceeding the lead action level of 15 ppb in recent testing.
- Testing Scope: KUB conducts over 100,000 water quality tests annually at their state-certified laboratory, monitoring for more than 150 contaminants—significantly exceeding federal and state requirements.
- Compliance Status: For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (April 2024 – June 2024), KUB’s water was in full compliance with all federal health-based drinking water standards and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation regulations.
Water Sources
- Tennessee River: KUB’s sole water source, providing reliable surface water that undergoes comprehensive treatment at the Mark B. Whitaker Water Treatment Plant, processing over 30 million gallons daily.
- Source Water Assessment: The Tennessee River source requires robust multi-barrier treatment approaches, with KUB implementing three phases of disinfection to ensure water safety and quality.
- Environmental Protection: KUB actively participates in source water protection initiatives and community education programs to minimize contamination risks to the Tennessee River watershed.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Mark B. Whitaker Plant: The primary treatment facility processes over 30 million gallons daily using advanced multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and triple-stage disinfection technologies.
- Disinfection System: Utilizes chlorine dioxide and chlorine disinfection processes with three phases of disinfection (removing particles, second stage disinfection, then post-filtration disinfection) plus corrosion control measures.
- Quality Monitoring: Real-time monitoring systems throughout the treatment process ensure consistent water quality, with 24/7 staffing and continuous testing by chemists and microbiologists.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Century II Program: KUB’s comprehensive infrastructure maintenance program systematically replaces aging water pipes with modern materials designed to last over 100 years, ensuring long-term system reliability.
- Service Line Inventory: KUB has completed extensive EPA-required mapping of water service lines and found no evidence of lead service lines in its distribution system, with ongoing customer education about identifying pipe materials.
- Cross-Connection Control: Maintains a robust Cross-Connection Control Program requiring backflow prevention devices where needed to protect the drinking water system from potential contamination sources.
Customer Protection Initiatives
KUB provides extensive customer support through water quality education programs, free water testing assistance, and transparent communication via annual water quality reports available to all customers. The utility’s environmental stewardship extends beyond water quality to include biosolids management, community solar programs, and energy efficiency initiatives. KUB’s commitment to customer service includes 24/7 emergency response at 865-524-2911, multilingual customer support, and regular public meetings where community members can participate in utility governance and decision-making processes.
Recommendations for Knoxville Residents
Check Your Service Line
Visit www.kub.org/serviceinventory to watch a video on identifying your water service line materials, or call 865-524-2911 with questions. KUB’s inventory has found no lead service lines, but older homes may have plumbing components containing lead.
Energy & Water Conservation
Take advantage of KUB’s energy and water saving workshops offered throughout the community. KUB also offers EV charger rebates up to $400 for residential customers and time-of-use rates to help reduce utility costs.
Consider Home Filtration
While KUB’s water meets all safety standards, homes may benefit from NSF-certified filters for drinking and cooking water to reduce disinfection byproducts and chromium-6, which are detected above health guidelines in Knoxville’s water supply.
Protect Source Water
Help protect the Tennessee River by properly disposing of medications at collection sites, recycling household hazardous waste, and avoiding pollution that can reach storm drains and waterways. This is especially important as Tennessee faces PFAS contamination in other regions from sewage sludge and industrial sources.
Report Issues
Contact KUB Customer Service at 865-524-2911 (available 24/7) for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns. For Spanish-speaking customers, press 2. Report any water system issues promptly to maintain service reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, KUB’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The water comes from the Tennessee River and undergoes comprehensive treatment at the Mark B. Whitaker Water Treatment Plant using advanced multi-barrier treatment processes.
KUB conducts over 100,000 tests annually for more than 150 contaminants—far exceeding EPA requirements. The utility maintains one of Tennessee’s largest state-certified water quality laboratories and has an excellent track record of regulatory compliance. However, some contaminants like disinfection byproducts are detected above health guidelines set by environmental groups, though still within federal legal limits.
Why does my water sometimes taste or smell different?
Occasional taste and odor changes can occur due to several factors:
1. Seasonal source water variations: Natural changes in the Tennessee River can affect taste and odor, especially during heavy rainfall, drought periods, or temperature fluctuations
2. Treatment process adjustments: Minor modifications to disinfection levels or treatment processes to maintain water quality may cause temporary taste or odor changes
3. Home plumbing factors: Internal plumbing issues, infrequently used faucets, or older pipes can sometimes cause taste or odor concerns
If taste or odor issues persist, contact KUB at 865-524-2911 for assistance. Running cold water for a few minutes after periods of non-use often helps improve water quality from your tap.
Does Knoxville have lead in its water system?
KUB has excellent lead compliance and has implemented comprehensive measures to prevent lead contamination:
• Lead service lines: KUB’s extensive EPA-required service line inventory found no evidence of lead service lines in its distribution system, significantly reducing the risk of lead contamination
• Corrosion control: The utility uses safe corrosion inhibitors and optimizes water treatment to prevent leaching of lead and copper from customer plumbing systems
• Testing results: Recent lead and copper monitoring shows zero households sampled exceeded the lead action level of 15 ppb
• Customer education: KUB provides resources at www.kub.org/serviceinventory to help customers identify their home’s pipe materials
Homes built before 1988 have a higher likelihood of containing lead components in internal plumbing, which is why KUB recommends flushing taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if water has been sitting unused.
What conservation programs does KUB offer?
KUB provides several conservation and efficiency programs for customers:
Energy and Water Programs:
• Free energy and water saving workshops throughout the community for youth and adults
• EV charger rebates up to $400 for residential customers installing Level 2 charging stations
• Time-of-use rate options to help customers reduce utility bills
Environmental Initiatives:
• KUB Community Solar program providing renewable energy options
• Biosolids management program offering free fertilizer to local farmers
• TeenWork summer internship program for local students
For more information about available programs and rebates, visit www.kub.org or call 865-524-2911.
Quality News About Your Water
Get the comprehensive water quality news coverage you need with our dedicated US Water News Service. From coast to coast, we deliver in-depth reporting and expert analysis on PFAS contamination, EPA regulatory changes, infrastructure developments, and emerging water safety issues affecting communities nationwide. While mainstream media only covers the biggest stories, we provide the detailed, ongoing coverage that helps you understand the full scope of America’s water challenges. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, water professional, or community leader, our daily updates and analytical insights keep you informed about the issues that matter most to public health and environmental safety.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when disinfectants such as chlorine react with naturally occurring organic matter in the Tennessee River source water; levels monitored quarterly throughout the distribution system
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system function, as well as fetal development
Current Levels: Total trihalomethanes: 40.8 ppb (272x above EWG health guidelines), haloacetic acids: 30.1-40.0 ppb (301-667x above EWG guidelines) EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5) – KUB meets these federal limits
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances originating from industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products that can enter source waters through various pathways including sewage sludge application
Health Effects: Research links PFAS to cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, increased cholesterol levels, immune system effects, and thyroid disruption
Current Status: KUB’s 2024 testing for PFAS compounds detected none in the drinking water supply according to their 2023 Water Quality Report; ongoing monitoring will continue under new EPA regulations EPA Regulations: New EPA regulations for six specific PFAS compounds were finalized in April 2024, with compliance monitoring beginning in 2027
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