C50/100
Charlotte Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,216,502 residents · North Carolina
What's In Charlotte's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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
SUGAR MOUNTAIN UTILITY
Population Served
3,226
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0106107
HARBOUR POINT S/D
Population Served
3,909
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0149185
FAIRFIELD SAPPHIRE
Population Served
3,873
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0150113
WOLF LAUREL RESORT
Population Served
1,819
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0158101
CHARLOTTE WATER
Population Served
1,163,701
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0160010
LAMPLIGHTER SOUTH-DANBY
Population Served
3,297
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0160156
BRADFIELD FARMS S/D
Population Served
2,967
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0160264
FAIRFIELD MOUNTAINS NO 1
Population Served
1,798
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0181126
CONNESTEE FALLS
Population Served
3,532
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0188104
ABINGTON S/D
Population Served
1,506
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0234191
CAROLINA TRACE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
4,516
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0353101
WOODRUN S/D
Population Served
1,216
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0362107
WHISPERING PINES DEVELOPMENT
Population Served
4,178
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0363112
BRANDYWINE BAY
Population Served
2,245
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0416163
NORTH RIVER/MILL CREEK WATER SERVICE DIS
Population Served
4,417
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0416197
FAIRFIELD HARBOUR
Population Served
5,514
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0425132
BELVEDERE PLANTATION
Population Served
3,462
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0471111
WINSTON POINTE S/D
Population Served
1,326
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC4051012
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlotte Water
Is Charlotte tap water safe to drink?
Charlotte, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (50/100), which is considered fair. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 795 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Charlotte's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in Charlotte's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Charlotte have any water quality violations?
Yes, Charlotte has 795 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MCL, RPT. 57 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Charlotte?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Charlotte is recommended. 3 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 Charlotte's tap water come from?
Charlotte's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SUGAR MOUNTAIN UTILITY and 17 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 1,216,502 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Charlotte'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. Charlotte'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 Charlotte's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Charlotte's water quality score of 50/100 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 Charlotte's water quality?
If you have concerns about Charlotte'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 (SUGAR MOUNTAIN UTILITY) 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.