LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Tennessee

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 1,567 public water systems in Tennessee, serving approximately 8,031,454 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
1,567
Population served
8,031,454
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Tennessee

What we know about lead pipes in Tennessee

Tennessee serves over 8 million people through 1,567 water systems. However, data on lead service lines remains incomplete: most utilities have not yet conducted full inventories of their pipes, so the true number of lead and galvanized lines across the state is unknown.

This lack of data is common nationwide. Water utilities are still in the early stages of mapping their underground pipe networks—work that can take years and requires significant investment.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are the pipes that connect your home to the water main under the street. If your home was built before the 1980s and has a lead line, water can pick up lead as it travels through that pipe, especially if water sits in the pipe overnight or if the water is corrosive.

Lead exposure is a serious health concern, particularly for young children and pregnant people. Even low levels can affect brain development. If you're concerned about lead in your water, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.

What Tennessee utilities are doing

The state's largest utilities—including Metro Water Services (778,000 people), Memphis Light, Gas & Water (659,500 people), and Knoxville Utilities Board (254,671 people)—have not yet publicly reported their lead service line counts. Tennessee has not yet received dedicated federal funding for lead service line replacement.

This doesn't mean there's no action happening. Many utilities are beginning inventories or replacing lines as part of routine infrastructure work. The pace and extent of these efforts vary significantly.

How to find out about your water system

Your water utility is required by law to test for lead and report results to you. They also maintain records about the pipes in your neighborhood.

Contact your local water utility directly and ask:

  • Do you have a lead service line inventory? Can I see it?
  • Has my street or address been surveyed?
  • What is your lead testing data for my water?
  • Do you have a lead line replacement program?

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility with the questions above. Ask for their lead service line inventory status and testing results.
  • Get your water tested if you're concerned. Many utilities and health departments offer free or low-cost testing kits.
  • If a lead line is confirmed, consider a point-of-use water filter certified for lead (NSF 53) as an interim step while pursuing replacement.
  • Talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about lead exposure for children in your household.

Largest public water systems in Tennessee

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
METRO WATER SERVICESTN0000494778,153——
MEMPHIS LIGHT, GAS, & WATERTN0000450659,500——
KNOXVILLE UTILITIES BOARD - KUBTN0000366254,671——
CLARKSVILLE WATER DEPARTMENTTN0000116251,864——
CONSOLIDATED U.D. OF RUTHERFORD COTN0000791221,871——
TENNESSEE AMERICAN WATERTN0000107207,046——
WHITE HOUSE UTILITY DISTRICTTN0000745130,411——
FIRST U.D. OF KNOX COUNTYTN0000369115,531——
MURFREESBORO WATER DEPARTMENTTN0000491111,365——
KINGSPORT WATER DEPTTN0000349107,739——
JOHNSON CITY WATER DEPTTN0000331105,057——
CLEVELAND UTILITIESTN000011795,087——
JACKSON WATER SYSTEMTN000029991,111——
WEST WILSON UTILITY DISTRICTTN000074386,978——
COLUMBIA POWER AND WATER SYSTEMSTN000012884,617——
HALLSDALE-POWELL U.D.TN000028084,315——
MADISON SUBURBAN U.D.TN000042481,203——
WEST KNOX UTILITY DISTRICTTN000037177,825——
FRANKLIN WATER DEPTTN000024677,222——
WATER AUTH OF DICKSON COUNTYTN000019168,675——
HIXSON UTILITY DISTRICTTN000030368,306——
GALLATIN WATER DEPARTMENTTN000025365,964——
SPRING HILL WATER DEPTTN000066765,840——
HARPETH VALLEY U.D.TN000028665,518——
SMYRNA WATER SYSTEMTN000063960,876——

Cities in Tennessee

More on lead pipes in Tennessee

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Tennessee

How do I know if I have a lead service line?

Contact your water utility and ask if your address has been surveyed. You can also hire a plumber to inspect the pipe entering your home, or the utility may inspect it for free. Lead pipes are soft, dark gray, and easily scratched with a coin.

Is my tap water safe to drink if I have a lead line?

It depends on several factors, including water chemistry and how long water sits in the pipe. The safest approach is to get your water tested and use a certified filter (NSF 53) until the line is replaced. Contact your pediatrician if you have health concerns.

Who pays to replace a lead service line?

This varies by utility. Some programs split costs between the utility and homeowner; others cover the full cost. Contact your water utility to ask about their replacement program and any financial assistance available.

Why doesn't Tennessee have a complete count of lead pipes?

Most water systems haven't finished mapping their underground pipes yet—it's expensive and time-consuming work. Federal law now requires utilities to complete inventories, but the process is still underway in most states.