Charlotte, North Carolina: Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink?
2026 EPA water quality data for 161 community water systems serving 1,255,023+ residents. See violations, PFAS results, lead test results, and safety grades — free.
Is Charlotte Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Charlotte has 161 community water systems. 96 of 100 graded systems meet all EPA standards (grade A or B), while 4 have recorded violations. No active health-based violations are currently open. Check individual system reports below for specifics.
Charlotte Water Quality Overview
Charlotte, North Carolina is served by 161 community water systems providing water to approximately 1,255,023 residents. These systems draw from groundwater (136), surface water purchased (24), surface water (1) sources. Among the 100 largest systems tested, 127 health-based violations have been recorded historically, though none are currently active. Including monitoring and reporting violations, there are 621 total violations on record.
Find Your Water System
Search by ZIP code to find your exact water provider and see its full EPA report.
Showing top 50 of 161 water systems by population served
Looking for water quality data across the whole state? See our full North Carolina tap water safety report covering all North Carolina’s EPA-regulated water systems.
Charlotte Drinking Water: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlotte, North Carolina tap water safe to drink?
Charlotte has 161 community water systems. 96 of 100 graded systems meet all EPA standards (grade A or B), while 4 have recorded violations. No active health-based violations are currently open. Check individual system reports below for specifics.
How many water utilities serve Charlotte, North Carolina?
161 community water systems serve Charlotte, North Carolina, providing water to approximately 1,255,023 people. Different neighborhoods may be served by different utilities. Enter your ZIP code at the top to find your specific provider.
Does Charlotte tap water have lead?
Lead in drinking water typically enters from old pipes and fixtures inside homes and buildings, not from the treatment plant. The EPA requires water systems to monitor for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule. Click any water system above to see its most recent 90th-percentile lead test results. Homes built before 1986 are most likely to have lead plumbing components.
What contaminants have been found in Charlotte drinking water?
EPA violation records for Charlotte water systems are listed on each utility's report page. Common regulated contaminants include disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAA5), coliform bacteria, nitrates, and lead. Click any utility above to see its full violation history going back 10 years.
How do I find out which water company serves my address in Charlotte?
Enter your Charlotte ZIP code in the search box at the top of this page. ClearWater will identify the specific water system serving your area and show you its EPA violation history, lead test results, and an overall safety grade. You can also check your water bill or your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).