A
97

Excellent Water Quality

Charlotte, NC 28289

Mecklenburg County · Population served: 1,163,701 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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CHARLOTTE WATER
Surface water · Pop. 1,163,701
PWSID: NC0160010

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

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

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Charlotte

Tap water quality in Charlotte, North Carolina (28289) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 97 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 25 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 Charlotte Water, a surface water system providing water to approximately 1,163,701 people. PFAS testing detected 2 compounds, all currently below EPA limits. The area has a clean violation record over the past 5 years — a positive indicator of consistent water quality management.

Your Score 97/100 A
vs State 25 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 22 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 97/100 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

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 97/100. 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 28289 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 1,163,701 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 28289. 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 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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