Is Cashiers, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Cashiers, NC — Water Quality Report
Cashiers's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 22 water systems serve approximately 8,521 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 1166 violations on record, including 74 health-based violations. 289 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cashiers's water
Cashiers ranks #365 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Cashiers 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.
The system has seen 100 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cashiers, NC water safe to drink?
Cashiers's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 22 water systems serve approximately 8,521 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cashiers
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cashiers's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cashiers's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cashiers's water system has 1,166 total violations on record, including 74 health-based violations. 289 remain unresolved. 100 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Cashiers's water come from?
Cashiers's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 22 water systems serving approximately 8,521 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 Cashiers residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cashiers's water.
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.
Cashiers'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtJackson 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cashiers's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.93 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cashiers compares by contaminant
Explore where Cashiers ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cashiers's water comes from
Cashiers'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 8,521 people through 22 water systems.
Water bodies near Cashiers
Cashiers is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cashiers
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRFIELD SAPPHIRE | NC0150113 | 3,873 | GW |
| HIGH HAMPTON INN/COUNTRY CLUB | NC0150136 | 770 | GW |
| TRILLIUM LINKS & VILLAGE | NC0150193 | 610 | GW |
| HIGHLANDS COVE S/D | NC0150200 | 577 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN TOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB | NC1050035 | 445 | GW |
| WADE HAMPTON CLUB | NC0150171 | 429 | GW |
| TRILLIUM LINKS WEST | NC1050042 | 424 | GW |
| CEDAR HILL | NC0150175 | 244 | GW |
| BIG SHEEP CLIFF | NC0150169 | 175 | GW |
| CEDAR CREEK WOODS | NC0150161 | 122 | GW |
| CEDAR RIDGE ESTATES | NC0150178 | 107 | GW |
| CHATTOOGA CLUB | NC0150179 | 100 | GW |
| CASHIERS VILLAGE | NC0150163 | 89 | GW |
| SILVER SLIP | NC0150168 | 79 | GW |
| CONTINENTAL CLIFFS | NC0150181 | 79 | GW |
| BIG RIDGE S/D | NC0150170 | 76 | GW |
| SILVER RUN RESERVE | NC1050084 | 76 | GW |
| PINCHOT S/D | NC1050030 | 74 | GW |
| INGLES SUPERMARKET NO 110 | NC0150501 | 66 | GW |
| TIMBER RIDGE | NC1050069 | 51 | GW |
| WHITEWATER RIDGE | NC1088006 | 30 | GW |
| BRIDGE CREEK | NC1050040 | 25 | GW |
How Cashiers compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Cashiers's score of 43/100 is on par with the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Cashiers, 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 Cashiers's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Cashiers, NC tap water safe to drink?
Cashiers's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #365 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Cashiers's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1166 violations are on record.
How is Cashiers'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 Cashiers?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cashiers's water come from?
Cashiers's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 22 water systems serving approximately 8,521 residents.
What health violations has Cashiers's water system had?
Cashiers has 74 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 289 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cashiers's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cashiers 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 1166 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 Cashiers's water compare to other cities?
Cashiers ranks #365 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 12% of state cities) and #14660 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.