The tap water supplied to Knoxville residents is consistently monitored and generally considered safe to drink, meeting all federal and state regulatory standards. The Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) is the primary organization responsible for treating and distributing this water, which is sourced predominantly from the Tennessee River. KUB ensures the safety of the water through rigorous, multi-step treatment processes and extensive testing.
How Knoxville’s Water is Managed
The Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) manages the entire water supply system, from the source to the customer’s tap. The vast majority of the water is drawn from the Tennessee River, which provides a safe and abundant source for the area. KUB’s Mark B. Whitaker Treatment Plant processes millions of gallons of water daily to meet the needs of its large customer base.
This management responsibility extends beyond water treatment to include protecting the source water and maintaining the extensive infrastructure network. KUB oversees almost 1,500 miles of pipe, numerous booster pump stations, and storage facilities, which help maintain water pressure and ensure a continuous supply. The utility protects the Tennessee River, recognizing its importance as the community’s primary water resource.
The Purification and Disinfection Process
The raw water drawn from the Tennessee River undergoes a sophisticated sequence of steps at the treatment plant to become safe drinking water. This process first involves physical filtration to remove suspended solids, sediment, and other particulate matter. Removing these larger impurities prepares the water for subsequent chemical treatments.
Following physical treatment, the water is chemically disinfected to eliminate disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Disinfection is typically achieved using chlorine or chloramine, which remains active in the distribution system to prevent microbial growth. KUB’s treatment methods comply with strict standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). The utility’s state-certified laboratory performs over 100,000 tests annually, checking for more than 150 contaminants, which exceeds mandated federal and state requirements.
Understanding Water Quality Test Results
Public access to water quality data is guaranteed through the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which KUB makes available to its customers. This report details the results of all required water testing and serves as the primary tool for verifying the safety claims of the utility. The CCR lists the various contaminants detected in the water supply, even those present at trace levels, and compares them against regulatory limits.
Water systems must test for a variety of contaminants, including microbial pathogens, inorganic chemicals (like salts and metals), and organic chemicals (such as pesticides and herbicides). A common focus is disinfection byproducts, such as Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), which form when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. The EPA sets a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for these substances, representing the highest level allowed in drinking water. Although some contaminants may be detected, the levels are generally well below the MCLs, confirming the water is compliant with health standards.
Addressing Temporary and Internal Risks
While the public water system provides safe water, temporary and localized risks can occasionally compromise quality at the tap. Boil water advisories are issued when there is a potential for microbial contamination, often following a significant loss of water pressure due to a main break or equipment failure. A loss of pressure can allow contaminants to enter the distribution pipes, so the advisory is a proactive public health measure that recommends boiling water for at least one to three minutes to kill any potential bacteria or viruses.
A persistent concern is the risk of contamination from plumbing within a private home, which the utility does not control. The most common internal risk is lead exposure, occurring when water sits in contact with older plumbing fixtures or service lines installed before 1986. While KUB delivers lead-free water to the service line, homeowners in older homes may use a certified home filtration system. Alternatively, flushing the tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before use minimizes potential lead exposure.