Water Quality in Charlotte, NC: 2812 Violations - Grade B
Grade B · Score 81/100 · 10 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Charlotte's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
EPA monitoring has flagged 2812 reportable events for water systems in Charlotte, NC.
Water Quality Map: Charlotte, NC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Charlotte
Water quality varies across Charlotte's 74 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28205 | C | 68 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28207 | C | 68 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28209 | C | 68 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28211 | C | 68 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28214 | C | 68 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28215 | C | 68 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28206 | B | 73 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28208 | B | 73 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28210 | B | 73 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28216 | B | 73 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28226 | B | 73 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28203 | B | 78 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28204 | B | 78 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28212 | B | 78 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
| 28213 | B | 78 | 38 | 12 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Charlotte.
Water Quality Overview
Charlotte, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 81 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 10 water systems serving Charlotte have accumulated 2812 EPA violations, including 888 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 74 ZIP codes serving approximately 967,202 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Charlotte's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Charlotte water systems is 0.0050 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 42% of homes built before 1986, Charlotte has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Charlotte
Charlotte is served by 10 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 967,202 people across 74 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 599 enforcement actions against water systems serving Charlotte. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Charlotte
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR - your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test - certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration - NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories - monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Charlotte Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Charlotte's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 962 | 74 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 444 | 74 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 370 | 74 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 296 | 74 | Yes |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 296 | 74 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 296 | 74 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 74 | 74 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Charlotte:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 4 |
| 2022 | 74 | 74 |
| 2024 | 75 | 75 |
Violations have increased from 4 in 2021 to 75 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 16 enforcement actions against water systems serving Charlotte. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-03-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-11-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-11-13 | State Filed Suit |
| 2022-11-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-10-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-09-02 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-03-04.
Charlotte vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Charlotte's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | B | 2812 | 10 | 967,202 |
| Newell | D | 0 | 1 | 1,163,701 |
| Paw Creek | D | 0 | 1 | 1,163,701 |
| Raleigh | C | 3432 | 19 | 560,455 |
Recommended Water Filters for Charlotte
Based on contaminants detected in Charlotte's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: TTHM
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Charlotte
Water quality varies across Charlotte's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28205 | 68 | C | 38 | 12 |
| 28207 | 68 | C | 38 | 12 |
| 28209 | 68 | C | 38 | 12 |
| 28211 | 68 | C | 38 | 12 |
| 28214 | 68 | C | 38 | 12 |
| 28215 | 68 | C | 38 | 12 |
| 28206 | 73 | B | 38 | 12 |
| 28208 | 73 | B | 38 | 12 |
| 28210 | 73 | B | 38 | 12 |
| 28216 | 73 | B | 38 | 12 |
| 28297 | 84 | B | 38 | 12 |
| 28296 | 84 | B | 38 | 12 |
| 28290 | 84 | B | 38 | 12 |
| 28289 | 84 | B | 38 | 12 |
| 28288 | 84 | B | 38 | 12 |
Common Questions About Charlotte Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Charlotte, North Carolina:
Is Charlotte water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Charlotte's 10 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Charlotte tap water? Charlotte's water receives a grade of B (81/100). There are 888 health-based violations - consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Charlotte? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Charlotte vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Charlotte compares to the broader North Carolina average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below - water quality can vary significantly even within Charlotte.
ZIP Codes in Charlotte
Charlotte spans 74 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 28201. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe - Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.