# Nashville, TN — Drinking Water Quality (2023)

> Contaminant levels for the Nashville, TN public water system from its 2023 Consumer Confidence Report, compared to federal limits.

- Page: https://www.thewatermap.com/water/tn/nashville/2023
- JSON API: https://www.thewatermap.com/api/water/tn/nashville/2023
- Source: the utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- Verification: transcribed by a model, cross-checked by a second model, approved before publishing
- Reporting year: 2023
- Contaminants measured: 57
- Contaminants with a federal limit: 42
- Contaminants at or above the federal limit: 1
- Part of The Water Map — https://www.thewatermap.com

## Contaminants measured

| Contaminant | Category | Measured level | Sampling context | Federal limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bromodichloromethane | Disinfection byproducts | 1.7–3.8 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Bromoform | Disinfection byproducts | Not detected (Reported level) | System-wide | No federal limit | None detected |
| Chloroform | Disinfection byproducts | 8.3–12.8 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Dibromochloromethane | Disinfection byproducts | 0.9 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| HAA5 | Disinfection byproducts | 7.6–11 (Range) | System-wide | 60 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| TTHM | Disinfection byproducts | 10.4–17.3 (Range) | System-wide | 80 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Asbestos | Inorganic chemicals | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 7 (MCL) | None detected |
| Chloride | Inorganic chemicals | 9.04–16.8 (Range) | System-wide | 250 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Cyanide | Inorganic chemicals | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 0.2 (MCL) | None detected |
| Dibromoacetic acid | Inorganic chemicals | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | No federal limit | None detected |
| Dichloroacetic acid | Inorganic chemicals | 4–5.7 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Fluoride | Inorganic chemicals | 0.61–0.75 (Range) | System-wide | 4 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Monobromoacetic acid | Inorganic chemicals | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | No federal limit | None detected |
| Nitrate | Inorganic chemicals | 0.126–0.249 (Range) | System-wide | 10 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Nitrite | Inorganic chemicals | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 1 (MCL) | None detected |
| Sulfate | Inorganic chemicals | 29.2–42.8 (Range) | System-wide | 250 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Trichloroacetic acid | Inorganic chemicals | 3.4–5.6 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Aluminum | Metals | 0.016–0.0168 (Range) | System-wide | 0.2 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Antimony | Metals | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 0.006 (MCL) | None detected |
| Arsenic | Metals | 0.0001–0.0001 (Range) | System-wide | 0.01 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Barium | Metals | 0.0185–0.0194 (Range) | System-wide | 2 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Beryllium | Metals | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 0.004 (MCL) | None detected |
| Cadmium | Metals | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 0.005 (MCL) | None detected |
| Chromium, Total | Metals | 0.0016 (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 0.1 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Copper | Metals | 0.002 (Range) | System-wide | 1.3 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Iron | Metals | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 0.3 (MCL) | None detected |
| Lead | Metals | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 0.015 (MCL) | None detected |
| Manganese | Metals | 0.0012 (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 0.05 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Mercury | Metals | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 0.002 (MCL) | None detected |
| Nickel | Metals | 0.001–0.001 (Range) | System-wide | 0.1 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Selenium | Metals | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 0.05 (MCL) | None detected |
| Sodium | Metals | 7.8–11.3 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Thallium | Metals | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 0.002 (MCL) | None detected |
| Zinc | Metals | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 5 (MCL) | None detected |
| Alkalinity | Physical & aggregate | 54.4–86.9 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Color | Physical & aggregate | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 15 (MCL) | None detected |
| Hardness | Physical & aggregate | 66.4–101.3 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Odor | Physical & aggregate | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 3 (MCL) | None detected |
| pH | Physical & aggregate | 6.91–7.21 (Range) | System-wide | 6.5 (MCL) | At or above the limit |
| Temperature | Physical & aggregate | 6–27.7 (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | Detected — no federal limit |
| Total Dissolved Solids | Physical & aggregate | 119–172 (Range) | System-wide | 500 (MCL) | Within the limit |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 3 (MCL) | None detected |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 15 (MCL) | None detected |
| 1,2,3-TCP | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Reported level) | System-wide | No federal limit | None detected |
| Atrazine | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 3 (MCL) | None detected |
| Benzene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 0.005 (MCL) | None detected |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 0.2 (MCL) | None detected |
| Chloroethane | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | No federal limit | None detected |
| Chloromethane | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Reported level) | System-wide | No federal limit | None detected |
| Dalapon | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 200 (MCL) | None detected |
| Dichloromethane | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 0.005 (MCL) | None detected |
| Ethylbenzene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Reported level) | System-wide | 0.7 (MCL) | None detected |
| Simazine | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Reported level) | Metro Water Services | 4 (MCL) | None detected |
| Tetrachloroethylene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 0.005 (MCL) | None detected |
| Toluene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 1 (MCL) | None detected |
| Trichloroethylene | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Range) | System-wide | 0.005 (MCL) | None detected |
| Xylenes | VOCs & pesticides | Not detected (Reported level) | System-wide | 10 (MCL) | None detected |

## What these contaminants are

- **Bromodichloromethane** — A trihalomethane disinfection byproduct. Counted within regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is associated with cancer and reproductive effects.
- **Bromoform** — A trihalomethane disinfection byproduct. Counted within regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is associated with liver and kidney effects.
- **Chloroform** — A trihalomethane formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. A component of regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is linked to liver and kidney effects.
- **Dibromochloromethane** — A trihalomethane disinfection byproduct. Part of regulated total trihalomethanes; long-term exposure is linked to nervous-system, liver, and kidney effects.
- **HAA5** — Haloacetic acids — a group of five disinfection byproducts formed when disinfectants react with organic matter. Long-term exposure above the federal limit is associated with an increased cancer risk.
- **TTHM** — Total trihalomethanes — a group of four chemicals (including chloroform) formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. Long-term exposure above the federal limit is linked to liver, kidney, and central-nervous-system effects and increased cancer risk.
- **Chloride** — A naturally occurring salt compound. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels cause a salty taste and can corrode pipes.
- **Dibromoacetic acid** — A brominated haloacetic acid disinfection byproduct. Part of the broader HAA9 group; monitored without its own enforceable limit.
- **Dichloroacetic acid** — A haloacetic acid disinfection byproduct. One of the five haloacetic acids regulated together as HAA5 for cancer risk.
- **Fluoride** — A mineral often added to drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. Beneficial at low levels, but long-term exposure above the federal limit can cause bone disease and tooth mottling.
- **Monobromoacetic acid** — A brominated haloacetic acid disinfection byproduct. Part of the broader HAA9 group; monitored without its own enforceable limit.
- **Nitrate** — A compound from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. Levels above the federal limit can cause 'blue baby syndrome,' a serious oxygen-transport condition in infants.
- **Nitrite** — A compound from fertilizer runoff, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits. Like nitrate, elevated levels can cause 'blue baby syndrome' in infants.
- **Sulfate** — A naturally occurring mineral from rock and soil. No health-based federal limit; high levels can have a laxative effect and a bitter taste.
- **Trichloroacetic acid** — A haloacetic acid disinfection byproduct. One of the five haloacetic acids regulated together as HAA5.
- **Aluminum** — A common element sometimes used as a treatment coagulant. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels can discolor water.
- **Arsenic** — A naturally occurring element that also enters water from industry and agriculture. A known human carcinogen; long-term exposure is linked to skin, bladder, and lung cancer.
- **Barium** — A metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial discharge. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can raise blood pressure.
- **Chromium, Total** — Total chromium — the sum of all chromium forms, from natural deposits and industrial discharge. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can cause allergic dermatitis; includes hexavalent chromium.
- **Copper** — A metal that enters water from corroding household plumbing. Short-term exposure causes stomach distress; long-term exposure can damage the liver and kidneys.
- **Iron** — A naturally occurring metal common in groundwater. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; causes rusty color, staining, and metallic taste.
- **Lead** — A toxic metal that leaches into water from old service lines, solder, and plumbing fixtures. There is no safe level of lead; it harms brain development in children and raises blood pressure in adults. The EPA sets an action level, not a health goal above zero.
- **Manganese** — A naturally occurring metal from soil and rock. No enforceable federal limit; high levels stain fixtures and laundry and can affect taste, with a health advisory for infants.
- **Mercury** — A toxic metal from erosion of natural deposits and industrial runoff. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can damage the kidneys.
- **Nickel** — A metal from natural deposits and industrial discharge. Long-term exposure can cause skin and other effects; monitored under EPA rules.
- **Selenium** — A trace element from natural deposits and industrial discharge. Essential in tiny amounts, but long-term exposure above the federal limit can cause hair and fingernail loss and circulatory problems.
- **Sodium** — A naturally occurring salt component. Not federally regulated for health; relevant for people on sodium-restricted diets.
- **Zinc** — A naturally occurring metal that can also enter water from corroding pipes. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels cause a metallic taste.
- **Alkalinity** — A measure of the water's capacity to neutralize acids. Not federally regulated for health; relevant to corrosion control and treatment.
- **Color** — A measure of visible tint in the water. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard.
- **Hardness** — A measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals. Not federally regulated for health; affects scaling, soap use, and taste.
- **Odor** — A measure of detectable smell in the water. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard.
- **pH** — A measure of how acidic or basic the water is. Regulated only as a secondary standard; very low or high pH can corrode pipes or affect taste.
- **Temperature** — The measured temperature of the water sample. Not regulated for health; warmer water can affect disinfection and microbial growth.
- **Total Dissolved Solids** — Total dissolved solids — the combined content of all dissolved minerals and salts. Regulated only as a secondary (cosmetic) standard; high levels affect taste and hardness.
- **Combined Radium** — Combined radium-226 and radium-228 — naturally occurring radioactive elements. Long-term exposure above the federal limit increases the risk of bone cancer.
- **Gross Alpha** — Gross alpha particle activity — a combined measure of alpha-emitting radioactive substances. Long-term exposure above the federal limit increases cancer risk.
- **Atrazine** — A widely used agricultural herbicide that reaches water through runoff. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can affect the cardiovascular and reproductive systems.
- **Chloroethane** — A volatile organic compound used in some industrial processes. Monitored under EPA rules; without its own enforceable national limit.
- **Tetrachloroethylene** — An industrial solvent (PCE) used in dry cleaning and degreasing. A likely human carcinogen; long-term exposure above the federal limit can damage the liver and kidneys.
- **Trichloroethylene** — An industrial solvent (TCE) used in metal degreasing. A known human carcinogen; long-term exposure above the federal limit can damage the liver.
- **Xylenes** — A group of industrial solvents found in gasoline and paint. Long-term exposure above the federal limit can damage the nervous system.

## How to read this

- A water-quality report covers an entire service area, not a single address.
- 'Federal limit' is the EPA standard (MCL, action level, treatment technique, etc.) that the measured level is compared against.
- 'At or above the federal limit' means the utility's own reported figure met or exceeded that standard.

_Figures are the utility's own published numbers. Generated 2026-05-25 from thewatermap.com._