TapSafetyReport
F0/100

HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF — Water Quality Report 2026

Serving 6,614 people · North Carolina

Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
NC0157015
Violations
77

Contaminant Test Results

1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.004 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

7

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

3

Health-Related

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 – November 4, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment technique violation

When: October 17, 2024 – November 4, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: 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, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

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

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

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

When: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: June 19, 2021 – July 10, 2023Rule: Ground Water 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

Frequently Asked Questions About HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF

Is HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF water safe to drink?

HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 77 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.

What contaminants has HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF detected?

54 contaminants were tested in HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).

Does HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF have any EPA violations?

Yes, HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF has 77 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include RPT, TT, MCL. 5 are health-based violations.

How many people does HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF serve?

HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF serves approximately 6,614 people, North Carolina. The system provides water to 1 community: Highlands.

What type of water does HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF provide?

HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is NC0157015.

How does HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF compare to other utilities in North Carolina?

HIGHLANDS, TOWN OF scores 0/100 with a grade of F (failing). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our North Carolina state page for a full comparison of water systems.

Cities Served

Highlands