Athens
TN

Is Athens, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Athens tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 1 of 2 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFTrDA. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.

3Water systems
2ZIP codes
50%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaAthens, TN
Latest data2025-10-22

Where Does Athens Get Its Water?

Water in Athens, TN is provided by 3 public water systems: ATHENS UTILITIES BOARD, NIOTA WATER SYSTEM and RICEVILLE UTILITY DISTRICT.

How Is Athens Tap Water Treated?

Treated water is disinfected using chloramines and free chlorine. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), direct filtration and post-ozone biofiltration.

What's in Athens Tap Water?

The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Athens public water systems. 1 of 2 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L 2 ZIPs Above guideline
lithium 9 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFBA 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
6:2 FTS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
8:2 FTS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for Athens

Based on EPA monitoring data, 1 of 2 ZIP codes in Athens have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.

Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile

This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system

8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.

See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Athens Tap Water

Is Athens tap water safe to drink?

Athens tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 1 of 2 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

What contaminants are in Athens tap water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Athens water systems include: PFTrDA, lithium, PFBA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.

Where does Athens get its drinking water?

Athens receives water from 3 public water systems, including ATHENS UTILITIES BOARD.

Do I need a water filter in Athens?

If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.

How often is Athens tap water tested?

Public water systems in Athens are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-10-22.

Tap water reports by ZIP in Athens

Water utilities serving Athens, TN

Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

Also covers / overlaps with