B
70

Good Water Quality

Charlotte, NC 28209

Mecklenburg County · Population served: 1,163,998 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
CHARLOTTE WATER
Surface water · Pop. 1,163,701
PWSID: NC0160010
🌊
MCBRIDE`S MHP
Groundwater · Pop. 190
PWSID: NC0234167
🌊
JACKSON HEIGHTS MHP
Groundwater · Pop. 107
PWSID: NC0454127

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

2 detected All below limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBA9.7 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFPeA3.4 pptNo standardUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

18Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
13Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Charlotte

Tap water quality in Charlotte, North Carolina (28209) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 70 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 1,163,998 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. PFAS testing detected 2 compounds, all currently below EPA limits. The area has 18 violations over the past 5 years, though none were classified as health-based.

Your Score 70/100 B
vs State 2 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 5 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 70/100 means the water in Charlotte, NC is generally good and meets EPA standards, with only minor areas of concern. There may be low levels of detectable contaminants or a small number of non-critical violations. Most residents can feel comfortable with their tap water quality, though basic filtration can provide an extra layer of protection.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Charlotte, North Carolina receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 70/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 28209 is served by 3 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 1,163,998 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 28209. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.

2 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Charlotte, North Carolina, but all are currently below EPA limits. While levels are within regulatory standards, some health organizations recommend minimizing any PFAS exposure. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS levels.

Water systems serving Charlotte, North Carolina have received 18 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (PFAS), residents in Charlotte, North Carolina should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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