New South Memphis
New South Memphis, TN water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
New South Memphis is a major U.S. city and the 2nd-largest in Tennessee, home to roughly 641,608 residents. New South Memphis's drinking water comes largely from the same regional sources that serve Tennessee: Tennessee River, Cumberland River, and aquifers.
As elsewhere in Tennessee, the central challenge is aging infrastructure. Ample surface water; Memphis draws from a renowned deep sand aquifer it works to protect.
Tennessee reuses an estimated 3% of its treated wastewater and maintains minimal reuse programs; New South Memphis tracks severe to extreme drought conditions on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale.
Explore the Tennessee profile for statewide context, or dig into the water issues shaping New South Memphis below.
At a glance
- Population ~641,608 (2nd-largest in Tennessee)
- Primary sources: Tennessee River, Cumberland River, and aquifers
- Drought: severe to extreme conditions
- State reuse rate: ~3% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of Tennessee in severe+ drought (Extreme (D3) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in New South Memphis?
New South Memphis is served by community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Statewide, 23.2% of Tennessee's systems have a recent health-based violation. Check your provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report for local results.
Where does New South Memphis get its water?
New South Memphis draws from the same regional sources that serve Tennessee: Tennessee River, Cumberland River, aquifers.