Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Memphis?
Yes, tap water in Memphis is safe to drink and is considered exceptionally high quality, drawn from the deep, naturally pure Memphis Sand Aquifer that requires no filtration, only disinfection.
Water Source
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) draws from the Memphis Sand Aquifer, a deep, naturally filtered aquifer isolated from surface contamination by a thick protective clay layer, requiring no filtration step.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •No significant compliance concerns; the aquifer's natural purity is considered a notable regional asset
- •Some naturally occurring iron can affect taste in certain areas, an aesthetic issue rather than a safety one
How It Compares
Few major U.S. cities can rely on groundwater pure enough to skip filtration entirely; Memphis's deep aquifer source is frequently cited as one of the best natural drinking water sources in the country.
Tips
- •Memphis's aquifer-sourced water is genuinely excellent straight from the tap
- •MLGW publishes an annual water quality report
- •No need for bottled water around the city
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality