Is Smyrna, TN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Smyrna tap water is legally compliant, but one contaminant exceeds health guidelines. Specifically: PFAS above EPA limits (PFOA: 5.8 ppt — limit is 4 ppt each). A point-of-use filter is recommended for drinking and cooking water.
Hardness Scale: Where Smyrna Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Smyrna Compares
Smyrna's water is close to the national average of 138 PPM, ranking #537 out of 1000 cities tracked. Within Tennessee, it ranks #9 of 20 cities (20% above the state average of 96 PPM). Among cities (50k-100k), Smyrna ranks #162 of 258 for hardness.
What Smyrna's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 115 PPM - Low Concern
Smyrna's water is firmly in the moderate range at 115 PPM. You'll see some spotting on glassware and a film on shower doors over time, but it's not the kind of hardness that demands a full softener. A salt-free conditioner is worth considering if you have a tankless water heater or high-end fixtures.
Contaminants & Safety
Forever chemicals (PFAS) are worth watching here. Smyrna has PFOA at 5.8 ppt, exceeding the EPA's 2024 limit of 4 ppt per compound. PFAS are synthetic compounds that accumulate in your body over time. A certified carbon filter or reverse osmosis system with NSF P473 certification is the most effective protection. See the regulatory timeline.
What's in the Treatment Process
Smyrna's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 29.9 ppb (37% of the legal limit, but 199x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 17.4 ppb (29% of the legal limit, but 174x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts.
Chromium-6 was detected at 0.173 ppb, which is 8.6x the EWG health guideline. There's no separate federal limit for chromium-6, only total chromium. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective removal method. 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) | 115 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 190 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 52.32 ppt | — | No total limit | Detected |
| ↳ PFOA | 5.8 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| ↳ PFOS | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 1 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.1 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 0.388 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Recommendations for Smyrna Homes
Recommended Filter for Smyrna
PFAS exceed EPA limits (PFOA: 5.8 ppt — limit: 4 ppt each). A certified filter reduces these contaminants effectively.
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.1 mg/L chlorine, many Smyrna 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 Smyrna
With PFAS at 52.32 ppt in Smyrna'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 City of Smyrna Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About Smyrna's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of Smyrna Water
Water Source: Percy Priest Reservoir (Surface Water)
Population Served: 60,876
Hardness: 115 PPM (6.7 grains per gallon)
Smyrna's drinking water comes from surface sources — Percy Priest Reservoir. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 61,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request City of Smyrna Water'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 City of Smyrna Water in Smyrna, TN, including ZIP codes:
37012, 37014, 37071, 37085, 37086, 37090, 37136, 37167, 37184
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Smyrna to Other Tennessee Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Smyrna Water
Is Smyrna tap water safe to drink?
Where does Smyrna's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Smyrna?
How do I remove PFAS from Smyrna tap water?
What water filter is best for Smyrna?
Is Smyrna water safe for babies and infants?
What is the hardness of Smyrna water in grains per gallon?
What are disinfection byproducts in Smyrna'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 Smyrna Homeowners Actually Buy
Prioritized for contaminant reduction for homes with 115 PPM water and PFAS above EPA limits.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Smyrna's water data.