C57/100
Salisbury Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 51,774 residents · North Carolina
What's In Salisbury's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment Technique Violation
When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: 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
SALISBURY-ROWAN
Population Served
45,329
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0180010
CHINA GROVE, TOWN OF
Population Served
4,895
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0180040
EAST SPENCER, TOWN OF
Population Served
1,550
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0180060
Frequently Asked Questions About Salisbury Water
Is Salisbury tap water safe to drink?
Salisbury, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (57/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 112 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Salisbury's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Salisbury's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Salisbury have any water quality violations?
Yes, Salisbury has 112 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include TT, Other, MCL. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Salisbury?
Salisbury 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Salisbury's tap water come from?
Salisbury's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by SALISBURY-ROWAN and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 51,774 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Salisbury'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. Salisbury'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 Salisbury's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Salisbury's water quality score of 57/100 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 Salisbury's water quality?
If you have concerns about Salisbury'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 (SALISBURY-ROWAN) 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.