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Is Cleveland Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:48 pm, August 2, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Cleveland?

Yes, Cleveland's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Cleveland has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Cleveland's water utility, Cleveland Utilities, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Cleveland was resolved on June 30, 2012. This assessment is based on the Cleveland Utilities water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Cleveland Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Cleveland tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Cleveland's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Cleveland Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Cleveland Utilities for Cleveland in Tennessee. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

From June 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012, Cleveland had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Acute (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).

Is there Lead in Cleveland Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Cleveland water system, Cleveland Utilities, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.002 mg/L of lead in Cleveland water. This is 13.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Cleveland contained more lead.

While Cleveland water testing may have found 0.002 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Cleveland Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant - near Cleveland with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Cleveland has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Cleveland SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
06/01/2012 - 06/30/2012 Resolved Yes Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Acute (TCR) (21) Total Coliform Rule (110) Coliform (TCR) (3100) Microbials (100) Total Coliform Rules (110)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Cleveland Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT CLEVELAND CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Cleveland water provider, Cleveland Utilities, please use the information below.
By Mail: P.O. BOX 2730
CLEVELAND, TN, 37320-2730
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR CLEVELAND UTILITIES
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Cleveland Utilities account to pay their Cleveland water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Cleveland Utilities bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Cleveland water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Cleveland water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP CLEVELAND WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Cleveland means you will often need to put the water in your name with Cleveland Utilities. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Cleveland means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Cleveland Utilities. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Cleveland tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 33% Low
  • Water Pollution 44% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 67% High
  • Water Quality 56% Moderate

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Cleveland, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Cleveland Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Cleveland's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

Cleveland Utilities

WATER QUALITY REPORT - 2020

Water Sources and Protection

Sources of Cleveland’s drinking water include surface water from the Hiwassee and Tennessee Rivers, and ground water from limestone aquifers in the area (Waterville Spring). Cleveland Utilities also purchases water from other area utilities to ensure an adequate water supply to the service areas of Cleveland and Bradley County. These utilities include the Hiwassee Utilities Commission and Eastside Utility District.

Our goal is to protect our water from contaminants and we are working with the State to determine the vulnerability of our water sources to potential contamination. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and Cleveland Utilities have prepared a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Report including a Wellhead Protection Plan for susceptibility of untreated water sources to potential contamination. To insure safe drinking water, all public water systems treat and routinely test their water. CU sources have been rated as reasonably susceptible based on geologic factors and human activities in the vicinity of the water source. An explanation of Tennessee’s source Water Assessment Program, the Source Water Assessment summaries, susceptibility scorings and overall TDEC report to EPA can be viewed online at https://www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/wr-water- resources/water-quality/source-water-assessment.html or contact Cleveland Utilities at 423-559-5277 or 423-478-0698, Monday – Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Water Operations and Testing

Cleveland Utilities operates 3 water treatment plants which are staffed with state licensed operators. The operations staff is responsible for overseeing the treatment operation and performing quality control checks over all of the water produced by these plants. The Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Department is responsible for ensuring that the quality and protection of the drinking water is maintained and is compliant with stringent State and Federal regulations.

Contaminant Information

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800-426-4791).

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Contaminants that may be present in source water:

-Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

-Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial, or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

-Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

-Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile

organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

-Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation prescribe regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

Special Health Information

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Cleveland Utilities is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite which is found in surface water throughout the U.S. and comes from animal waste and run-off. When ingested, it can result in diarrhea, fever and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Cryptosporidium is eliminated by an effective treatment combination including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. For more information on Cryptosporidium, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water systems to give consumers an annual report on the quality of their drinking water. CU provides consumers current water quality information by calling 423-559-5277 or 423-478-0698 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday or on our web site at www.clevelandutilities.com .

Este informe contiene información muy importante. Tradúscalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.

The Board of Public Utilities of the City of Cleveland generally meets on the fourth Friday of each month at 12:30 p.m. at Cleveland Utilities in the Tom Wheeler Training Center, 2455 Guthrie Avenue, NW, Cleveland, Tennessee.

2020 WATER QUALITY DATA

REGULATED AT THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ENTRY POINT (WATER TREATMENT FACILITY)

Contaminant (unit)

Turbidity (ntu)

Nitrate (ppm)

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) (ppm)

Sodium (ppm)

 

 

Level Detected

 

Level Detected

Analyzed

Violation

 

C F P

W A T

H U C

Analyzed

E U D

Yes/No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

No

 

0.35

0.44

0.26

2020

0.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

 

 

0.01 - 0.35

0.01 - 0.44

0.01 - 0.26

Range

0.02 - 0.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

No

 

0.346

0.969

0.362

2020

0.390

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

No

 

0.67

NR

0.67

2020

0.91

Range

 

 

0.50 - 0.59

NR

0.51 - 0.64

 

0.75 - 1.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

No

 

2.29

1.95

2.28

2020

3.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M C L MCLG Source of Contaminant

  1. NA Soil runoff.

10

10

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks,

sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.

 

 

  1. TT Naturally present in the environment.

NA

NA

Erosion natural deposits; Used in water treatment.

REGULATED IN THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND CUSTOMER TAP

Contaminant (unit)

Total Trihalomethane (TTHM) (ppb)

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (ppb)

Total Coliform (mpn/100ml)

E.Coli (mpn/100ml)

Lead (ppb)

Copper (ppm)

Chlorine (ppm)

Fluoride (ppm)

 

 

Level Detected

 

Level Detected

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyzed

Violation

 

 

CU

HUC

Analyzed

E U D

Yes/No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

Highest

57.5

57.0

2020

40.2

No

 

LRAA

 

Range

3.7 - 68.0

41.8 - 57.0

Range

24.0 - 55.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

Highest

44.1

34.5

2020

19.1

No

 

LRAA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

1.0 - 55.9

24.2 - 34.5

Range

12.1 - 23.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No

 

 

0

(Weekly)

Daily

1

2020

 

Daily

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

No

 

 

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

No

 

90th percentile

< 2.0

< 2.0

2020

90th % = < 2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

All Sites <

All Sites <

Range

< 2.0 - 2.63

 

 

 

 

 

2.0

2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

No

 

90th percentile

0.092

0.0027

2020

90th % = 0.175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

0.01 - 0.24

0.0016 -

Range

0.0074 - 0.956

 

 

 

 

 

0.0027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highest RRA

1.7

2.1

2020

1.87

2020

No

 

Avg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

0.5 - 2.3

2.0 - 2.1

Range

0.80 - 2.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

No

 

Highest RRA

0.67

0.73

2020

0.72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

0.15 - 0.67

0.15 - 0.68

Range

0.60 - 0.83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M C L

MCLG

 

 

80

NA

 

 

60

NA

 

 

TT

NA

 

 

*See

0

Definition

 

AL = 15

0

 

 

AL = 1.3

1.3

MRDL MRDLG

4.0 4.0

4.0 4.0

Source of Contaminant

By-product of drinking water chlorination.

By-product of drinking water chlorination.

Naturally present in the environment

Human and animal fecal waste

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits.

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives.

Water additive used to control microbes.

Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories.

UNREGULATED AT THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ENTRY POINT AND CUSTOMER TAP

Contaminant (unit)

Strontium (ppb)

Vanadium (ppb)

Hexavalent Chromium (ppb)

Chlorate (ppb)

1,4 - Dioxane (ppb)

Contaminant (unit)

Manganese (ppb)

Haloacetic Acids (HAA6) (ppb)

Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) (ppb)

Level Detected

Analyzed

 

CU

WAT

 

 

 

 

2015

Average

29.7

26.2

 

 

 

Range

23 - 42.3

22.4 - 35.1

 

 

 

 

 

2015

Average

0.273

0.346

 

 

 

Range

<0.2 - 0.39

<0.2 - 0.42

 

 

 

 

 

2015

Average

0.164

0.218

 

 

 

Range

0.08 - 0.25

0.05 - 0.26

 

 

 

 

 

2015

Average

21.6

ND

 

 

Range

<20 - 32.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

Average

ND

ND

 

Range

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level Detected

Analyzed

 

CU

WAT

HUC

 

 

 

 

 

2018-19

Average

0.77

ND

5.5

Range

0.46 - 1.04

----

NA

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018-19

Average

 

3.31

 

Range

 

0.30 - 7.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018-19

Average

 

39.9

 

Range

 

0.63 - 86.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level Detected

Analyzed

E U D

 

 

2015

68.4

 

22 - 77.3

 

 

 

2015

0.221

 

<0.2 - 0.31

 

 

 

2015

0.076

 

0.035 - 0.15

 

 

 

2015

146.8

 

<20 - 190.4

 

 

 

2015

0.089

 

<0.07 - 0.103

 

 

 

Level Detected

Analyzed

E U D

 

 

2018-19

3.5

 

2.24 - 4.57

 

 

 

Not Reported

 

Not Reported

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR)

Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA has not

established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulation is warranted. UCMR minimum reporting levels (MRLs) were established based on the capability of the analytical method, not based on a level established as “significant” or “harmful.” In fact, the UCMR MRLs are often below current “health reference levels” (to the extent that HRLs have been established).For additional information call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

The table above indicates 'contaminants' that were detected (No Total Coliform/Ecoli Detections) in Cleveland's water supply and are required to be reported. Not indicated are additional 'contaminants' for which tests were conducted and not detected. "Contaminant” means any physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substance or matter in water including chemicals used during treatment.

  • = 99.9% of CFP samples were 0.3 NTU. 100% of WAT samples were <0.5 NTU. 100% of HUC samples were ≤ 0.3 NTU. 100% of EUD samples were ≤
    0.3 NTU. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of the water. It is a good indicator of the effectiveness of the filtration system.
  • = Average is the maximum quarterly value from locational running annual averages (LRAA). Compliance with the MCL is based on the locational running annual average. Range is the minimum to maximum for individual samples from all locations and are not averages.
  • = Analysis must be performed again prior to the end of 2023 (3 yr cycle). HUC Analysis must be performed again prior to the end of June 30, 2021.100% of the sites tested for Lead and Copper in the CU and HUC systems were below the Action Level.
    = Plants have met the TT requirements for TOC in 2020. Average is the maximum quarterly average from running annual averages of treated water. Range is the minimum to maximum of individual samples.
    *MCL Definition for E.Coli: Routine and repeat samples are total coliform-positive and either is E. coli-positive or system fails to take repeat samples following E. coli- positive routine sample or system fails to analyze total coliform-positive repeat sample for E. coli.

MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) = The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology

MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal) = The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.

MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level) = The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants.

MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal) = The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

  1. (Treatment Technique) = A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

AL (Action Level) = The concentration of a contaminant which, when exceeded, triggers a treatment or other requirement which a water system must follow.

ppm = part per million, ppb = part per billion,

NTU = Nephelometric Turbidity Units (Measure of Water Clarity),

MPN = Most Probable Number, pCi/l = picocuries per liter,

RRA = Running Annual Average, ND = Not Detected, NR = Not Required, NA = Not Applicable

 

CU = Cleveland Utilities (Distribution System)

HUC = Hiwassee Utilities Commission (Surface Water)

 

WAT = Waterville Springs (Ground Water)

EUD = Eastside Utility District (Surface Water)

CFP = Cleveland Filtration Plant (Surface Water)

.

Cleveland Utilities

WATER QUALITY REPORT – 2020 CONSUMER INFORMATION

Backflow Prevention

Cleveland Utilities makes every effort to ensure that our customers enjoy a continuous supply of safe drinking water. We also need the help of our customers in this regard, particularly with controlling cross connections.

A cross connection is a link with the public water supply and can cause the water system to become contaminated. An example of a cross connection would be a garden hose submerged in a source of contamination such as a car radiator, swimming pool, or other liquid. Should a water main break occur or a fire pumper use a nearby hydrant while the hose was submerged in a source of contamination, the contaminant could be sucked back into the public water supply. This is called backflow, and it can be prevented easily.

One simple way to avoid backflow is to create an air gap between the end of your hose and any other liquid source. For example: if you’re filling a pool, arrange your hose so that the end is at least six inches above the top rim of the pool. The air gap will prevent the contaminant from being sucked back into the water supply.

Wrong Way

Right Way

Another way to prevent backflow with a garden hose is to use a device known as a vacuum breaker. Vacuum breakers are available at hardware and home improvement stores. They are simple, inexpensive, and screw right onto your outside faucet to prevent contaminants from being siphoned back into your plumbing and the public water system.

Vacuum Breaker

Cross connections that are more hazardous and that have permanently installed plumbing, such as irrigation systems, require more sophisticated devices known as reduced pressure backflow preventers. These more protective devices must be tested annually to ensure they are operating properly. Any residence with an irrigation system must be equipped with this type of device.

Example Installation of Irrigation Backflow Preventer

For more information on preventing cross connections, installing backflow devices and protecting your water supply, please feel free to contact our compliance department at 423- 478-0698.

Unused Pharmaceutical Disposal Flushing unused or expired medicines can be harmful to your drinking water. Properly disposing of unused or expired medication helps protect you and the environment. Keep medications out of Tennessee's waterways by disposing in one of our permanent pharmaceutical take back bins. There are over 340 take back bins located across the state in all 95 counties, to find a convenient location please visit: http://tdeconline.tn.gov/rxtakeback/

The “Take Back” bin in Bradley County is located at: Bradley County Sheriff’s Office

2290 Blythe Avenue SE Cleveland, TN 423-738-7349

8-4; M-F

Contaminants


Cleveland Utilities

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 81325
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 12

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Nitrate
  • Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 2%2C4-D
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

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