D37/100
Sylva Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 7,528 residents · North Carolina
What's In Sylva's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
9
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
4
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: April 28, 2025 – May 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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 – October 22, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – October 22, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Violation related to Nitrate
When: September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: May 1, 2024 – May 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: May 1, 2024 – May 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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: April 11, 2021 – June 1, 2021Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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
TUCKASEIGEE WATER & SEWER AUTH
Population Served
7,528
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0150035
Frequently Asked Questions About Sylva Water
Is Sylva tap water safe to drink?
Sylva, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of D (37/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 43 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Sylva's water?
31 contaminants were tested in Sylva's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Sylva have any water quality violations?
Yes, Sylva has 43 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, TT, RPT. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Sylva?
Sylva 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 Sylva's tap water come from?
Sylva's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by TUCKASEIGEE WATER & SEWER AUTH. The system serves approximately 7,528 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Sylva'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. Sylva'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 Sylva's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Sylva's water quality score of 37/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Sylva's water quality?
If you have concerns about Sylva'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 (TUCKASEIGEE WATER & SEWER AUTH) 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.