C56/100
Asheville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 168,909 residents · North Carolina
What's In Asheville's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: October 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
ASHEVILLE CITY OF
Population Served
157,431
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0111010
WOODFIN SANITARY WATER AND SEWER
Population Served
10,122
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0111015
BILTMORE FOREST, TOWN OF
Population Served
1,356
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0111030
Frequently Asked Questions About Asheville Water
Is Asheville tap water safe to drink?
Asheville, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 90 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Asheville's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in Asheville's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Asheville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Asheville has 90 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include RPT, TT, MCL. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Asheville?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Asheville is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Asheville's tap water come from?
Asheville's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by ASHEVILLE CITY OF and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 168,909 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Asheville's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Asheville's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Asheville's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Asheville's water quality score of 56/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Asheville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Asheville's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (ASHEVILLE CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.