Is Bent Creek, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.3/100
waterverge.com Bent Creek, NC — Water Quality Report
Bent Creek's drinking water received a grade of A (94.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Bent Creek's water
Bent Creek ranks #5 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Bent Creek relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bent Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bent Creek, NC water safe to drink?
Bent Creek's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bent Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bent Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Fluoride, Mercury.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bent Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bent Creek's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mecklenburg County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg, Reedy Creek, Gar Creek, Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is, Long Creek.
Where does Bent Creek's water come from?
Bent Creek's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg (river), Reedy Creek (river), Gar Creek (river), Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is (river), Long Creek (river).
What Bent Creek residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Bent Creek's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bent Creek
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bent Creek, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 189 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
UPM RAFLATAC INC MILLS RIVER, NC28759 | Ammonia | 170 | 7.2 mi |
WILSONART LLC FLETCHER, NC28732 | Methanol | 15 | 9.3 mi |
CAROLINA READY MIX & BUILDERS SUPPLY LLC FLETCHER, NC28732 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 3 | 9.5 mi |
ADAMS AN OLDCASTLE CO-ASHEVILLE ASHEVILLE, NC28803 | Lead | 0 | 5.1 mi |
DAY INTERNATIONAL INC ARDEN, NC28704 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bent Creek
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BLUE RIDGE PLATING COMPANY6.0 mi
- CTS OF ASHEVILLE INC6.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBuncombe County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Mecklenburg County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bent Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Bent Creek ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bent Creek's water comes from
Bent Creek's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bent Creek
Bent Creek is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bent Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BENT CREEK WATER SYSTEM | NC0111102 | 800 | GW |
How Bent Creek compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Bent Creek's score of 94.3/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Bent Creek, NC
Wikipedia →Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. With a population of 874,579 at the 2020 census, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., seventh-most populous city in the South, and second-most populous city in the Southeast. The Charlotte metropolitan area, with an estimated 2.88 million residents, is the 21st-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of an 18-county combined statistical area with an estimated population of 3.47 million as of 2024. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bent Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Buncombe
Frequently asked questions
Is Bent Creek, NC tap water safe to drink?
Bent Creek's water quality earned a grade of A (94.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #5 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Bent Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Bent Creek's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bent Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bent Creek's water come from?
Bent Creek's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
Is Bent Creek's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bent Creek uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 10 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bent Creek's water compare to other cities?
Bent Creek ranks #5 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 99% of state cities) and #551 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bent Creek's small water system affect quality?
Bent Creek's system serves approximately 800 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 10 violations on record.