Memphis
TN

Is Memphis, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Memphis, TN tap water meets federal safety standards based on the most recent EPA testing data. Several substances were detected, including lithium and trace PFAS compounds, but none exceeded enforceable federal limits or non-regulatory health benchmarks. Sensitive individuals may still want to consider a certified filter as a precaution.

2Water systems
45ZIP codes
0%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaMemphis, TN-MS-AR
Latest data2024-10-02

Where Does Memphis Get Its Water?

Memphis, TN draws its drinking water from groundwater sources, served primarily by two utilities: Memphis Light, Gas, and Water, and the Bartlett Water System. Both systems draw from the Memphis Sand Aquifer, one of the most abundant and historically clean groundwater sources in the region.

Treatment facilities named in EPA records include A.G. Warner, O.T. Yates, and several distribution-point treatment sites across the city. These plants handle the water before it reaches your tap.

The Bartlett Water System serves portions of the northeastern part of the metro area, while Memphis Light, Gas, and Water is the primary provider for most of the city. Together they cover all 45 ZIP codes reflected in recent EPA monitoring data.

How Is Memphis Tap Water Treated?

Memphis's water systems use a combination of treatment steps including slow sand filtration, adsorption, and other conventional processes to reduce sediment, organic material, and trace contaminants before water enters the distribution system.

Disinfection is carried out using free chlorine and chloramine, which kill bacteria and viruses and help keep water safe as it travels through the pipes to your home. A residual disinfectant remains in the water at the tap, which is normal and regulated under federal rules.

Granular activated carbon adsorption is listed among the treatment methods, which helps reduce certain organic compounds and some chemical contaminants. This is particularly relevant given the low-level PFAS detections found in recent testing.

What's in Memphis Tap Water?

The most widely detected substance in recent EPA testing was lithium, found in all 45 monitored ZIP codes at a peak level of 9 micrograms per liter. There is currently no enforceable federal drinking-water standard for lithium. The detected level did not exceed any EPA health reference level, so this is not a regulatory violation.

Several PFAS compounds were also detected at trace levels. PFTrDA, a long-chain PFAS, was found at up to 0.007 micrograms per liter. Other PFAS including 8:2 FTS, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, and HFPO-DA were each detected at or at the reporting threshold of 0.005 micrograms per liter. None exceeded EPA guidelines.

PFAS compounds are a broad class of industrial chemicals that have been used in nonstick coatings, firefighting foam, and many consumer products. They are widespread in water supplies nationally. The levels found in Memphis are at the lower end of what EPA testing across the country has recorded.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
lithium 9 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
8:2 FTS 0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L 45 ZIPs Within guideline
11Cl-PF3OUdS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
HFPO-DA 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for Memphis

No contaminant in Memphis tap water exceeded an enforceable federal maximum or a non-regulatory EPA health reference level in the most recent testing cycle. Lithium was detected at 9 micrograms per liter, below any established health reference benchmark. PFAS were detected at trace concentrations, all at or below EPA screening thresholds.

Infants, pregnant individuals, and people with compromised immune systems are generally more sensitive to trace contaminants in drinking water. For those groups, even low-level PFAS detections may warrant extra caution, and consulting a healthcare provider about filtered water is a reasonable step.

If you want additional peace of mind, a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (for reverse osmosis) or NSF/ANSI P473 is the most effective option for reducing PFAS. NSF/ANSI is an independent third-party certification program, so look for that label on the filter box or product page to confirm it is tested for these specific contaminants.

The science around low-level PFAS exposure is still developing, and EPA has acknowledged that health effects can vary by compound and exposure duration. The detections in Memphis are at very low concentrations, and EPA considers them within acceptable ranges under current guidance.

Best Filters for PFAS Water Profile

PFAS compounds are detected in this water supply. A reverse osmosis (RO) system or an activated-carbon filter specifically certified under NSF/ANSI P473 is required for reliable PFAS reduction. Standard pitcher and faucet filters without P473 certification do not remove PFAS.

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.

Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter

NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Memphis Tap Water

Is Memphis tap water safe to drink?

Based on recent EPA testing, Memphis tap water meets all federal drinking water standards. Lithium and trace PFAS compounds were detected, but none exceeded enforceable limits or non-regulatory health benchmarks. Most residents can drink the tap water without concern, though those in sensitive groups may prefer to use a certified filter.

What contaminants are in Memphis tap water?

Recent EPA testing found lithium at up to 9 micrograms per liter, which is below any established health reference level. Several PFAS compounds were also detected, including PFTrDA at 0.007 micrograms per liter and 8:2 FTS, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, and HFPO-DA each at 0.005 micrograms per liter. None exceeded EPA guidelines.

Where does Memphis get its drinking water?

Memphis gets its drinking water from groundwater, primarily through the Memphis Sand Aquifer. The two main utilities are Memphis Light, Gas, and Water and the Bartlett Water System. Key treatment facilities include the A.G. Warner and O.T. Yates plants, along with several distribution-point treatment sites across the metro area.

Do I need a water filter in Memphis?

A filter is not required, but it can provide extra assurance given the low-level PFAS detections in recent testing. Look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 or NSF/ANSI P473, both of which are independently tested to reduce PFAS compounds. NSF/ANSI certification appears on the product label and confirms the filter has been verified by a third party.

How often is Memphis tap water tested?

Memphis utilities are required to test regularly under federal EPA rules. The most recent data in this report comes from samples collected through October 2024, which included testing under a national EPA monitoring program that specifically targeted emerging contaminants like PFAS and lithium across water systems nationwide.

What is the best water filter for Memphis?

Given the PFAS detections in Memphis tap water, the most effective home filters are those certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis systems) or NSF/ANSI P473 (pitcher and under-sink filters). Both designations confirm the filter reduces PFAS. Check the product packaging or the NSF website to verify a specific filter model is certified.

Tap water reports by ZIP in Memphis

Water utilities serving Memphis, 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.

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