Chattanooga, TN, August 26, 2025

News Summary

Tennessee American Water has notified 40,000 customers in Chattanooga about potential lead and galvanized steel pipes in their service lines, raising health concerns. Homes built before 1988 are particularly at risk. The utility company will provide resources on testing options and line replacements. Additionally, recent water main breaks due to cold weather have further complicated the local infrastructure issues, stressing the urgency of public awareness regarding water safety.

Tennessee American Water Warns Customers of Potential Lead and Galvanized Steel Pipes in Service Lines

Chattanooga, TN – Tennessee American Water has alerted approximately 40,000 customers that their service pipes may contain lead or galvanized steel, which could pose a health risk over time. The utility company issued this notice amid ongoing concerns about the integrity of water supply lines across the region.

Experts in water safety indicate that lead can leach into drinking water as pipes made from lead and galvanized steel break down. Customers residing in homes built prior to 1988 are more likely to be affected by these potentially hazardous pipes. To assist them, Tennessee American Water will provide information regarding testing options and how to replace service lines if necessary.

The company routinely conducts water tests to comply with regulatory requirements regarding lead levels, and it must provide an annual water quality report, known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), to its customers as mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is important to note that lead cannot be detected by smell or taste, and boiling water does not eliminate lead. Long-term exposure to lead is particularly detrimental to infants and children’s health, making this a pressing concern for local families.

Tennessee American Water’s website features resources for customers seeking to understand testing options for old pipes made from lead or unknown materials. Homeowners who suspect they might have lead or galvanized steel pipes are advised to take action, and can report leaks or ask for assistance by calling a dedicated 24/7 line at 1-866-736-6420.

Impact of Recent Water Main Breaks

In addition to the warning about lead and galvanized steel pipes, the Tennessee Valley region is also facing challenges from recent water main breaks that have occurred due to a cold snap. These breaks have necessitated emergency road closures, severely affecting local traffic. Notable closures include a significant break at the intersection of King Street and E ML King Boulevard, which will require extended repairs.

Context and Community Concerns

The current announcement comes in the wake of extensive discussions within the local government infrastructure about access to clean water. Chattanooga City Council member Chip Henderson has been actively engaged in debates surrounding public service improvements, including the provision of water lines to underserved areas such as Raccoon Mountain. Henderson’s initiative had been making progress until recent setbacks.

Reporting on these local issues has been actively covered over the last decade by Joan McClane, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist who has led enterprise reporting at a local newspaper. Her oversight includes pivotal community topics such as infrastructure and public safety. McClane has built a reputation through her work, winning several prestigious awards for her contributions to journalism.

In light of these recent developments, community members are reminded to stay informed about the condition of their water service lines and the potential risks associated with lead contamination. Continued education and awareness are crucial for protecting public health in Chattanooga and beyond.

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Additional Resources

• News Channel 9: Homeowners scramble to fix their lead pipes
• Times Free Press: Tennessee American Water advises 40,000 of lead warnings
• Local 3 News: Tennessee American Water warns about lead in pipes
• News Channel 9: Water main break shuts down major intersection
• Nooga Today: How to prevent pipes from freezing
• Wikipedia: Lead poisoning
• Google Search: Lead pipe contamination
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lead poisoning
• Google Scholar: Lead pipes health risk
• Google News: Chattanooga water pipes lead

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER

The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.