Water Quality in Nashville, TN

Nashville's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 110 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Metro Water Services · Source: Cumberland River · Serves 689,447 residents

110
Hardness (PPM)
160
TDS (PPM)
1.2
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
110 PPM 0 400 Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 110 PPM TDS 160 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 1.2 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Nashville Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Hard waterChlorine taste

What Nashville's Water Means for Your Home

Nashville's water is hard at 110 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 Nashville, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Nashville's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.2 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)110 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids160 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.2 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Nashville Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 110 PPM, Nashville'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 Nashville's Water Supply

Water Utility: Metro Water Services

Water Source: Cumberland River

Population Served: 689,447

Hardness: 110 PPM (undefined grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Metro Water Services. 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 Nashville to Other Tennessee Cities

Memphis

33 PPM · Slightly Hard

Knoxville

90 PPM · Moderately Hard

Chattanooga

82 PPM · Moderately Hard

Clarksville

140 PPM · Hard

Murfreesboro

161 PPM · Hard

Franklin

161 PPM · Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Water

Is Nashville tap water safe to drink?
Nashville'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 Nashville?
At 110 PPM, Nashville'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 Nashville?
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 Nashville's water come from?
Nashville's drinking water is sourced from Cumberland River and treated by Metro Water Services.
What is the hardness of Nashville water in grains per gallon?
Nashville's water hardness is undefined grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 110 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Nashville water damage tankless water heaters?
At undefined GPG, Nashville'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 Nashville water safe for babies and infants?
Nashville'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 Metro Water Services Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.