C50/100
Spruce Pine Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,661 residents · North Carolina
What's In Spruce Pine's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.65 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2011.
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
SPRUCE PINE, TOWN OF
Population Served
5,661
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0161010
Frequently Asked Questions About Spruce Pine Water
Is Spruce Pine tap water safe to drink?
Spruce Pine, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (50/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 30 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Spruce Pine's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Spruce Pine'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 Spruce Pine have any water quality violations?
Yes, Spruce Pine has 30 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2011. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Spruce Pine?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Spruce Pine 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 Spruce Pine's tap water come from?
Spruce Pine's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by SPRUCE PINE, TOWN OF. The system serves approximately 5,661 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Spruce Pine'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. Spruce Pine'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 Spruce Pine's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Spruce Pine'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 Spruce Pine's water quality?
If you have concerns about Spruce Pine'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 (SPRUCE PINE, TOWN 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.