Is Charlotte Courthouse, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.5/100
waterverge.com Charlotte Courthouse, VA — Water Quality Report
Charlotte Courthouse's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,975 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 31 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Charlotte Courthouse's water
Charlotte Courthouse ranks #134 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Charlotte Courthouse 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Charlotte Courthouse may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Charlotte Courthouse, VA water safe to drink?
Charlotte Courthouse's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,975 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Charlotte Courthouse
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Charlotte Courthouse's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.5/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Charlotte Courthouse's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Charlotte Courthouse's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Charlotte Courthouse's water come from?
Charlotte Courthouse's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,975 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Charlotte Courthouse residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Charlotte Courthouse'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 droughtCharlotte 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Charlotte Courthouse'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. | 7.2 | 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. | 1.62 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Charlotte Courthouse compares by contaminant
Explore where Charlotte Courthouse ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Charlotte Courthouse's water comes from
Charlotte Courthouse'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,975 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Charlotte Courthouse
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARLOTTE COURTHOUSE, TOWN OF | VA5037150 | 1,975 | GW |
How Charlotte Courthouse compares
Full Virginia rankings →Charlotte Courthouse's score of 82.5/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Charlotte Courthouse, VA
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 Charlotte Courthouse's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Charlotte
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlotte Courthouse, VA tap water safe to drink?
Charlotte Courthouse's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #134 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Charlotte Courthouse's water?
Lead was measured at 7.2 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Charlotte Courthouse'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 Charlotte Courthouse?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Charlotte Courthouse's water come from?
Charlotte Courthouse's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,975 residents.
What health violations has Charlotte Courthouse's water system had?
Charlotte Courthouse has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Charlotte Courthouse's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Charlotte Courthouse 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 31 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 Charlotte Courthouse's water compare to other cities?
Charlotte Courthouse ranks #134 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 42% of state cities) and #6923 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Charlotte Courthouse's small water system affect quality?
Charlotte Courthouse's system serves approximately 1,975 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 31 violations on record.