Each year, Kingsport’s residents receive an Annual Water Quality Report detailing the quality of their public water supply. The 2024 results confirm compliance with federal and state standards—set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). But here’s a crucial truth: compliance doesn’t equal optimal safety.
This year’s water quality report identifies several common contaminants in Kingsport’s water. While they are within regulatory limits, long-term exposure to even trace amounts could still carry potential health risks. That’s why many Kingsport families are investing in reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration systems from Collins Water Purification, a trusted local expert in clean water solutions.
Let’s take a closer look at each contaminant found in the 2024 report and why a reverse osmosis system can make all the difference in your home’s water quality.
1. Turbidity – 0.10 NTU
What is Turbidity?
Turbidity measures the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by suspended solids. While not a contaminant itself, turbidity is an indicator of potential microbial contamination. Particles can shield harmful organisms like bacteria and viruses, making disinfection less effective.
- Reported Level: 0.10 NTU
Why It Matters:
Even at levels within EPA compliance, turbidity can interfere with chlorination and may indicate the presence of pathogens that threaten your health—especially in children, elderly adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
Sources:
Soil erosion, stormwater runoff, wastewater discharge, and decaying organic matter.
How RO Helps:
Reverse osmosis systems include sediment pre-filters that remove fine particles contributing to turbidity, giving you crystal-clear water free from visible impurities.
2. Fluoride – 0.35 ppm
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is added to municipal water supplies to help reduce tooth decay. Although it may offer dental benefits in small amounts, it can pose risks when exposure is too high.
- Reported Level: 0.35 ppm
Why It Matters:
While Kingsport’s levels fall below national guidelines, overexposure to fluoride has been associated with:
- Dental fluorosis (white spots on teeth)
- Skeletal fluorosis (joint pain and bone issues)
- Thyroid suppression
- Possible links to neurodevelopmental issues
How RO Helps:
Most home filters can’t remove fluoride. Reverse osmosis systems are specifically designed to eliminate the vast majority of fluoride from your drinking water, giving you full control over what your family consumes. Our RO systems allow you to still receive the benefits of fluoride while washing your teeth in the sink since not all water flows through the RO system, but it filters out the fluoride from your drinking or cooking water so that it is not ingested.
3. HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) – 31.4 ppb
What is HAA5?
HAA5 refers to a group of five haloacetic acids formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter in water. These are regulated as a group due to their similar health effects.
- Reported Level: 31.4 ppb
Why It Matters:
HAA5 are known to increase the risk of:
- Certain cancers (especially colon and bladder)
- Liver and kidney damage
- Reproductive issues and developmental delays
Even though the reported levels are below the federal limit, long-term consumption still carries potential risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.
How RO Helps:
RO systems effectively remove HAA5 and other chemical byproducts of chlorination, reducing your long-term exposure and safeguarding your health.
4. TTHMs (Total Trihalomethanes) – 36.3 ppb
What are TTHMs?
Total Trihalomethanes are another group of disinfection byproducts created when chlorine interacts with organic material. These include chloroform and other chemicals classified as possible carcinogens.
- Reported Level: 36.3 ppb
Why It Matters:
Even at half the EPA limit, TTHMs are concerning. Some potential health concerns that potentially arise from this contaminant are:
- Increased risk of bladder, liver, and kidney cancer
- Adverse reproductive outcomes
- Immune system suppression
How RO Helps:
Reverse osmosis systems remove chlorine and the organic matter that reacts with it, limiting the formation of dangerous byproducts like TTHMs before they reach your tap.
5. Sodium – 5.07 ppm
What is Sodium?
Sodium enters water naturally through soil and rock, or from human sources such as water softeners and road salt runoff. While it’s not regulated as a contaminant, it can be a concern for those on low-sodium diets.
- Reported Level: 5.07 ppm
Why It Matters:
Even small amounts of sodium in drinking water can be problematic for individuals with:
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Heart failure
How RO Helps:
RO systems are highly effective at removing sodium ions, making them a perfect choice for households with dietary or medical sodium restrictions.
6. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) – 1.02 ppm
What is TOC?
Total Organic Carbon is a measure of carbon in organic compounds found in water. These materials can fuel the formation of disinfection byproducts like TTHMs and HAA5.
- Reported Level: 1.02 ppm
Why It Matters:
While TOC itself isn’t toxic, it contributes to reactions that create harmful chemicals when treated with chlorine. It’s a key indicator of water’s potential to form carcinogenic byproducts.
How RO Helps:
Reverse osmosis systems reduce TOC and the precursors for chemical byproducts, enhancing both safety and taste.
7. Chlorine – 2.00 ppm
What is Chlorine?
Chlorine is used by water treatment facilities to kill bacteria and viruses. However, it can leave behind residual taste, odor, and health concerns if not properly removed before consumption.
- Reported Level: 2.00 ppm
Why It Matters:
Even at legal levels, chlorine can cause:
- Dry skin and irritation
- Eye discomfort
- Bad taste and smell
- Long-term exposure to harmful byproducts
How RO Helps:
Reverse osmosis systems use activated carbon filters to remove chlorine and improve the smell and flavor of your water, making it safer and more enjoyable.
Why Reverse Osmosis is the Smart Choice
Kingsport’s water may meet EPA and TDEC requirements, but that doesn’t mean it’s as clean or safe as it could be. Reverse osmosis water filtration systems from Collins Water Purification take your water from “acceptable” to “exceptional.”
Here’s why RO is the gold standard:
✅ Superior Filtration for Maximum Purity
RO systems remove up to 99% of contaminants, including fluoride, lead, chlorine, arsenic, nitrates, and more.
💧 Great-Tasting Water On Demand
No more chlorine taste or chemical smell—just pure, refreshing water straight from your faucet.
❤️ Healthier Drinking Water
Give your family the cleanest water possible, free from substances linked to long-term health risks.
🌎 Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective
RO systems reduce your need for single-use plastic bottles and save you money over time.
🧠 Peace of Mind
Know exactly what’s in (and not in) your water with the most trusted purification process available.
🍽️ Versatile for Everyday Life
Whether you’re drinking, cooking, making baby formula, or filling a fish tank, RO water meets the highest standards.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for “Safe Enough”
The Kingsport 2024 Annual Water Report shows that our water is compliant—but “compliant” doesn’t mean perfect. Over time, even low levels of chlorine, fluoride, and disinfection byproducts can affect your health and quality of life.
You don’t have to wait for regulations to tighten or health problems to emerge. Take control of your water quality now with a reverse osmosis system from Collins Water Purification.
Get Started Today
Proudly serving Kingsport and surrounding areas, Collins Water Purification offers:
- Water quality testing
- Expert consultation
- Professional installation
Experience the benefits of clean, safe, great-tasting water—without ever needing to buy bottled water again.
Contact Collins Water Purification today at 276-623-9093 and let us help you enjoy pure, peace-of-mind water—right from your tap.
