A
90

Excellent Water Quality

Charlotte, NC 28277

Mecklenburg County · Population served: 1,167,108 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🌊
CHARLESTON TRAIL ESTATES
Groundwater · Pop. 110
PWSID: NC0155132
🏔
CHARLOTTE WATER
Surface water · Pop. 1,163,701
PWSID: NC0160010
🏔
LAMPLIGHTER SOUTH-DANBY
Surface water · Pop. 3,297
PWSID: NC0160156

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

8 detected 1 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBA9.7 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFBS8.9 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFPeA8.3 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA7.4 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOS5.4 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFHxS4.5 ppt10 ppt10 pptBelow limit
PFHpA3.6 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFPeA3.4 pptNo standardUnregulated

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Charlotte

Tap water quality in Charlotte, North Carolina (28277) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 90 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 18 points above the North Carolina state average of 72. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 1,167,108 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Notably, 1 PFAS compound exceeds EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. The area has a clean violation record over the past 5 years — a positive indicator of consistent water quality management.

Your Score 90/100 A
vs State 18 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 15 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 90/100 means the water supply in Charlotte, NC meets or exceeds all EPA standards with minimal issues. Contaminant levels are well within safe limits, and the water system has maintained a strong compliance record. While no water supply is guaranteed perfect at the tap due to household plumbing, this is among the best-scoring areas in the country.

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 A (Excellent) with a score of 90/100. 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 28277 is served by 3 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 1,167,108 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 28277. 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.

Yes — 8 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Charlotte, North Carolina, and 1 exceeds EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Charlotte, North Carolina have zero violations in the last 5 years. This is a positive indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and water quality management.

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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