TapSafetyReport
B66/100

Lowell Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 3,837 residents · North Carolina

What's In Lowell's Tap Water?

34
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals

EPA Violation History

9

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

1

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Reporting violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 17, 2024 – February 10, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment technique violation

When: October 17, 2024 – February 10, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 11, 2023 – July 12, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2022 – October 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 11, 2021 – October 18, 2021Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – October 14, 2021Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued

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

LOWELL, CITY OF
Population Served

3,837

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

NC0136060

Frequently Asked Questions About Lowell Water

Is Lowell tap water safe to drink?

Lowell, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of B (66/100), which is considered good. Out of 34 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.

What contaminants are in Lowell's water?

34 contaminants were tested in Lowell's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.

Does Lowell have any water quality violations?

Yes, Lowell has 26 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, RPT, TT. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Lowell?

Lowell water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.

Where does Lowell's tap water come from?

Lowell's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by LOWELL, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 3,837 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Lowell'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. Lowell'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 Lowell's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?

Lowell's water quality score of 66/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Lowell's water quality?

If you have concerns about Lowell'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 (LOWELL, 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.

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