C
62

Fair Water Quality

Lenoir, NC 28645

Caldwell County · Population served: 85,525 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
MORGANTON CITY OF
Surface water · Pop. 27,221
PWSID: NC0112015
🏔
LENOIR, CITY OF
Surface water · Pop. 25,573
PWSID: NC0114010
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BATON WATER CORPORATION
Surface water · Pop. 7,620
PWSID: NC0114025
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CALDWELL COUNTY WATER--WEST
Surface water · Pop. 8,662
PWSID: NC0114045
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CALDWELL CO WATER SYSTEM-SE
Surface water · Pop. 15,007
PWSID: NC0114047

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

34Total (5yr)
3Health-Based
22Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Lenoir

Tap water quality in Lenoir, North Carolina (28645) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 62 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 10 points below the North Carolina state average of 72. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 8 water systems providing water to approximately 85,525 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 34 violations, including 3 health-based violations.

Your Score 62/100 C
vs State 10 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 13 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 62/100 indicates fair water quality in Lenoir, NC. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.

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

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Lenoir, North Carolina receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 62/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.

ZIP code 28645 is served by 8 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 85,525 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 28645. 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.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Lenoir, North Carolina during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Lenoir, North Carolina have received 34 violations in the last 5 years, including 3 health-based violations. 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.

Water in Lenoir, North Carolina shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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