Water Quality in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 90 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

KUB · Source: Tennessee River + Fort Loudoun Lake · Serves 190,740 residents

90
Hardness (PPM)
130
TDS (PPM)
1
Chlorine (mg/L)
3
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
90 PPM 0 400 Moderately Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 90 PPM TDS 130 PPM PFAS 3 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 1 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Knoxville Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Moderately hard water

What Knoxville's Water Means for Your Home

Knoxville's water is moderately hard at 90 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Knoxville, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Knoxville's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)90 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids130 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)3 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Knoxville Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 90 PPM, Knoxville's water is moderately hard. Scale buildup is slow but noticeable over years, especially in tankless water heaters. A salt-free conditioner is a low-maintenance option if you want to extend appliance life.
Learn more about this solution →

About Knoxville's Water Supply

Water Utility: KUB

Water Source: Tennessee River + Fort Loudoun Lake

Population Served: 190,740

Hardness: 90 PPM (undefined grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by KUB. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Knoxville to Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville

110 PPM · Hard

Memphis

33 PPM · Slightly Hard

Chattanooga

82 PPM · Moderately Hard

Clarksville

140 PPM · Hard

Murfreesboro

161 PPM · Hard

Franklin

161 PPM · Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Knoxville Water

Is Knoxville tap water safe to drink?
Knoxville's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Knoxville?
At 90 PPM, Knoxville's water is moderately hard. Some homeowners at this level do not notice problems, while others see spotting on glassware, film on shower doors, or reduced soap lathering. Homes with tankless water heaters at this hardness level should strongly consider at least a salt-free conditioner, as scale buildup inside the heat exchanger can void the warranty. For other homes, it depends on your sensitivity and fixtures.
What water filter is best for Knoxville?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Knoxville's water come from?
Knoxville's drinking water is sourced from Tennessee River + Fort Loudoun Lake and treated by KUB.
What is the hardness of Knoxville water in grains per gallon?
Knoxville's water hardness is undefined grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 90 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as moderately hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Knoxville water damage tankless water heaters?
At undefined GPG, Knoxville's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Knoxville water safe for babies and infants?
Knoxville's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the KUB Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.