Is Clyde, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.4/100
waterverge.com Clyde, NC — Water Quality Report
Clyde's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,256 residents using purchased surface water.
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 8 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clyde's water
Clyde ranks #128 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Clyde may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clyde, NC water safe to drink?
Clyde's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,256 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Clyde
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clyde's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4617). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clyde's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clyde's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Haywood County has experienced 8 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 W F Pigeon R Above Lake Logan Nr Hazelwood, West Fork Pigeon River, East Fork Pigeon River, Pigeon River.
Where does Clyde's water come from?
Clyde's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,256 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include W F Pigeon R Above Lake Logan Nr Hazelwood (river), West Fork Pigeon River (river), East Fork Pigeon River (river), Pigeon River (river).
What Clyde residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clyde'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.
Clyde'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 Clyde
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clyde, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 62,052 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BLUE RIDGE PAPER PRODUCTS LLC CANTON, NC28716 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 62,052 | 3.9 mi |
CONSOLIDATED METCO INC CANTON, NC28716 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
BLUE RIDGE PAPER PRODUCTS - WAYNESVILLE WAYNESVILLE, NC28786 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
APPLACHIAN SITEWORK WAYNESVILLE, NC28785 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
SOUTHERN CONCRETE MATERIALS-WEST WAYNESVILLE PLANT WAYNESVILLE, NC28786 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Clyde
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.
- BENFIELD INDUSTRIES INC6.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHaywood 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
Haywood County has experienced 8 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 Clyde compares by contaminant
Explore where Clyde ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clyde's water comes from
Clyde's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,256 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clyde
Clyde is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Clyde
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLYDE, TOWN OF | NC0144025 | 3,256 | SWP |
How Clyde compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Clyde's score of 81.4/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Clyde, NC
Wikipedia →Clyde is a town in Haywood County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Clyde had a population of 1,368. It is part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clyde's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Haywood
Frequently asked questions
Is Clyde, NC tap water safe to drink?
Clyde's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #128 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Clyde's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Clyde'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 Clyde?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clyde's water come from?
Clyde's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,256 residents.
What health violations has Clyde's water system had?
Clyde has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Clyde's water compare to other cities?
Clyde ranks #128 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 69% of state cities) and #7471 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clyde's small water system affect quality?
Clyde's system serves approximately 3,256 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 8 violations on record.