A 2023 study conducted on the water quality of 70 large American cities concluded that Memphis has the cleanest drinking water among those surveyed. The study was conducted using EPA standards for water quality and was conducted by the independent water quality advocacy group, Guru, and their research partner the Environmental Working Group. Read about the study here: U.S. Cities With the Best Water | WaterFilterGuru.com.

MLGW takes pride in safely providing the nation’s best water to our customers. The MLGW Water System has 10 water treatment plants, 176 production and 84 monitoring wells, 12 underground reservoirs, 15 elevated storage tanks, 19 booster stations, and approximately 4,000 miles of water distribution pipeline. 

MLGW’s commitment to quality and compliance with federal and state safe drinking water regulations is evident from the results of the study. MLGW has an active partnership with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) which both have responsibility for oversight of public water supply programs throughout the state. 

TDEC has historically conducted inspections of public water systems in the state. In April of 2022, MLGW had its first water system inspection by the EPA. This inspection was part of a publicly announced initiative by the EPA to improve compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and any applicable state regulations across the United States. MLGW has already corrected most items identified for repair or replacement by the EPA inspectors. Other items identified are part of larger capital improvement projects that will take longer to complete, like the construction of secondary containment structures for the chemicals used in the treatment process, repair of several large valves and pipes in the treatment system, and concrete and rebar repair at one treatment facility. On September 15, 2023, MLGW entered into an agreement with the EPA that requires development of a plan to correct those remaining items. MLGW is already taking steps to implement the repairs and improvements necessary to correct those remaining items. 

In September of 2022, MLGW received a score of ninety-eight percent (98%) following TDEC’s biennial sanitary survey of the MLGW Water System. The survey consisted of a records review to document the operational performance of the system and an on-site inspection of the water treatment and distribution system. This “Approved” evaluation retains the MLGW System in the state's highest available rating.

Knowing how valuable the Memphis Sands Aquifer is to our quality of life, Mayor Strickland and MLGW asked the University of Memphis Center for Applied Science and Engineering Research (CAESER) to conduct a study to help us understand the dynamics of how our aquifer works and to identify anything that would threaten the long-term vitality of our water source. After five years of study, CAESER will present their Phase I findings to the public Thursday, September 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Benjamin Hooks Central Library. Recently, Mayor Strickland, MLGW and CAESER entered into an agreement to move forward with phase II of the study.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving the residents of Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee since 1939. MLGW consistently provides customers with rates that are amongst the lowest in the nation and stewards a water supply from artesian wells that is minimally treated. Actively engaged in promoting the prosperity of Memphis and Shelby County, MLGW supports the seven local chambers in its service area and makes doing business with local, minority- and women-owned business a priority. Deeply rooted in the community, its employees generously donate time and money in support of bettering the Greater Memphis area.