Is Jackson, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Jackson tap water is legally compliant, but one contaminant exceeds health guidelines. Specifically: PFAS above EPA limits (PFOS: 15.2 ppt — limit is 4 ppt each). A point-of-use filter is recommended for drinking and cooking water.
Hardness Scale: Where Jackson Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Jackson Compares
Jackson's water is 59% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 68% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Tennessee, it ranks #14 of 20 cities (41% below the state average of 96 PPM). Among cities (50k-100k), Jackson ranks #193 of 258 for hardness.
What Jackson's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 57 PPM - Low Concern
Jackson's water is slightly hard at 57 PPM. Most households won't notice any issues at this level. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would be overkill. If you're thinking about water treatment, contaminant filtration is where to focus your money, not softening.
Contaminants & Safety
Forever chemicals (PFAS) are a serious concern here. Jackson has PFOS at 15.2 ppt — the EPA's 2024 limit is 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually. PFAS don't break down in your body or the environment. Research links long-term exposure to increased cancer risk, thyroid issues, and immune system problems. The fix: a whole-house activated carbon filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system. Look for NSF P473 certification — that's the standard that specifically tests for PFAS removal.
What's in the Treatment Process
Even though Jackson draws from groundwater, the treatment process still generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 7.7 ppb and HAA5 at 1.75 ppb. Groundwater typically needs less treatment than surface water, but when organic compounds are present in the aquifer, chlorination creates the same byproducts. All levels are within legal limits, though above the stricter EWG health guidelines.
Chromium-6 is naturally present in Jackson's aquifer geology at 0.21 ppb — 11x the EWG health guideline. There's no federal legal limit for chromium-6 specifically (only total chromium), which is why EWG tracks it separately. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 57 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 77 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 33.8 ppt | — | No total limit | Detected |
| ↳ PFOA | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| ↳ PFOS | 15.2 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| Lead | 0.5 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.2 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 1.94 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Recommended Filter for Jackson
PFAS exceed EPA limits (PFOS: 15.2 ppt — limit: 4 ppt each). A certified filter reduces these contaminants effectively.
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.2 mg/L chlorine, many Jackson residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in Jackson
With PFAS at 33.8 ppt in Jackson's supply, confirming your home's specific levels is especially important. PFAS vary by neighborhood and can concentrate differently depending on your position in the distribution system.
Free option: Request Jackson Energy Authority's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
📊 Already Tested Your Water?
City averages miss neighborhood-level variation. Share your results to help your neighbors get better data.
We review every submission before publishing. Your ZIP is shown; your identity is not.
About Jackson's Water Supply
Water Utility: Jackson Energy Authority
Water Source: South Fork Forked Deer River (Groundwater)
Population Served: 91,111
Hardness: 57 PPM (3.3 grains per gallon)
Jackson draws its drinking water from groundwater sources — South Fork Forked Deer River. Groundwater typically requires less treatment than surface water because the earth acts as a natural filter. The tradeoff: dissolved minerals from underground rock formations, which is why mineral content varies by aquifer depth and geology. The geological profile determines hardness, iron, and trace mineral levels. The system serves 91,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request Jackson Energy Authority's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by Jackson Energy Authority in Jackson, TN, including ZIP codes:
38001, 38006, 38007, 38008, 38012, 38021, 38024, 38025, 38030, 38034, 38037, 38040, 38044, 38047, 38050, 38052, 38059, 38061, 38063, 38069, 38070, 38075, 38077, 38079, 38080, 38201, 38220, 38223, 38225, 38229, 38230, 38231, 38232, 38233, 38235, 38236, 38237, 38238, 38240, 38242, 38253, 38255, 38258, 38259, 38260, 38301, 38302, 38303, 38305, 38308, 38310, 38311, 38313, 38314, 38315, 38316, 38317, 38318, 38320, 38321, 38324, 38327, 38328, 38329, 38330, 38331, 38332, 38334, 38336, 38337, 38338, 38339, 38340, 38341, 38342, 38343, 38344, 38345, 38346, 38347, 38348, 38351, 38352, 38355, 38356, 38357, 38358, 38359, 38361, 38362, 38363, 38366, 38367, 38368, 38369, 38370, 38371, 38374, 38375, 38376, 38377, 38378, 38379, 38380, 38381, 38382, 38387, 38388, 38389, 38390, 38391, 38392, 38393, 63830
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Jackson to Other Tennessee Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson Water
Is Jackson tap water safe to drink?
Where does Jackson's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Jackson?
How do I remove PFAS from Jackson tap water?
What water filter is best for Jackson?
Is Jackson water safe for babies and infants?
What are disinfection byproducts in Jackson's water?
Is chromium-6 in Jackson's water?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Jackson Homeowners Actually Buy
Prioritized for contaminant reduction for homes with 57 PPM water and PFAS above EPA limits.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Jackson's water data.