Is Memphis, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, Memphis tap water is safe to drink. Hardness is low at 33 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here don't need treatment.
Hardness Scale: Where Memphis Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Memphis Compares
Memphis's water is 76% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 81% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Tennessee, it ranks #18 of 20 cities (66% below the state average of 96 PPM). Among major US cities (500k+), Memphis ranks #85 of 100 for hardness.
What Memphis's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 33 PPM - Low Concern
Memphis's water is slightly hard at 33 PPM. Most households won't notice any issues at this level. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would be overkill. Memphis is softer than 80% of US cities. If you're thinking about water treatment, contaminant filtration is where to focus your money, not softening.
Contaminants & Safety
Disinfection byproducts are the notable finding here. Memphis's water has TTHMs at 6.75 ppb and HAA5 at 0.432 ppb — both within legal limits, but the EWG health guidelines are far stricter. These byproducts form when chlorine reacts with organic matter during treatment. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and its byproducts. Want the full picture? Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 33 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 50 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 0 ppt | — | No total limit | ✓ ND |
| ↳ PFOA | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| ↳ PFOS | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 4.7 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.3 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 0.206 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Good news for Memphis residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.3 mg/L chlorine, many Memphis 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 Memphis
City-wide data is a solid starting point, but your specific tap might differ based on plumbing age, distance from the treatment plant, or seasonal changes.
Free option: Request MLGW's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About Memphis's Water Supply
Water Utility: MLGW
Water Source: Memphis Sand Aquifer (Groundwater)
Population Served: 659,500
Hardness: 33 PPM (1.9 grains per gallon)
Memphis draws its drinking water from groundwater sources — Memphis Sand Aquifer. 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 660,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request MLGW'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 MLGW in Memphis, TN, including ZIP codes:
37501, 37544, 38015, 38023, 38053, 38054, 38055, 38058, 38071, 38083, 38101, 38103, 38104, 38105, 38106, 38107, 38108, 38109, 38111, 38112, 38113, 38114, 38115, 38116, 38117, 38118, 38119, 38120, 38122, 38124, 38125, 38126, 38127, 38128, 38130, 38131, 38132, 38133, 38134, 38135, 38136, 38137, 38141, 38145, 38148, 38150, 38151, 38152, 38157, 38159, 38161, 38163, 38166, 38167, 38168, 38173, 38174, 38175, 38177, 38181, 38182, 38184, 38186, 38187, 38188, 38190, 38193, 38194, 38197, 72301, 72303, 72313, 72322, 72325, 72326, 72327, 72329, 72331, 72332, 72335, 72336, 72338, 72339, 72346, 72350, 72358, 72359, 72364, 72370, 72372, 72373, 72376, 72384, 72386, 72394, 72395
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Memphis to Other Tennessee Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis Water
Is Memphis tap water safe to drink?
Where does Memphis's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Memphis?
Why does Memphis water taste like chlorine?
Can I drink Memphis tap water straight from the faucet?
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee average?
What water filter is best for Memphis?
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 Memphis Homeowners Actually Buy
Common purchases for homes with 33 PPM water.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Memphis's water data.