Is East Spencer, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com East Spencer, NC — Water Quality Report
East Spencer's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,550 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 18 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Spencer's water
East Spencer ranks #47 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average 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, East Spencer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Spencer, NC water safe to drink?
East Spencer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,550 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for East Spencer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Spencer's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Spencer's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Spencer's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Rowan County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Second Creek.
Where does East Spencer's water come from?
East Spencer's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,550 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Second Creek (river).
What East Spencer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Spencer'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.
East Spencer'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 East Spencer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Spencer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 19 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SALISBURY NC SALISBURY, NC28146 | Copper | 16 | 4.9 mi |
GRANGES AMERICAS INC SALISBURY, NC28146 | Copper | 3 | 3.8 mi |
ELECTRIC GLASS FIBER AMERICA LLC LEXINGTON, NC27292 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
EGGER - LEXINGTON PARTICLEBOARD PLANT LINWOOD, NC27299 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
WESTLAKE ROYAL BUILDING PRODUCTS INC - PLANT 1 EAST SPENCER, NC28039 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of East Spencer
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.
- NATIONAL STARCH CHEMICAL CORP7.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRowan 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
Rowan County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 East Spencer compares by contaminant
Explore where East Spencer ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Spencer's water comes from
East Spencer'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 1,550 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Spencer
East Spencer is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving East Spencer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST SPENCER, TOWN OF | NC0180060 | 1,550 | SWP |
How East Spencer compares
Full North Carolina rankings →East Spencer's score of 87.4/100 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 East Spencer, NC
Wikipedia →Salisbury is a city in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, United States; it has been the county seat of Rowan County since 1753 when its territory extended to the Mississippi River. Located 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Charlotte and within its metropolitan area, the town has attracted a growing population. The 2020 census shows 35,580 residents.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Spencer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rowan
Frequently asked questions
Is East Spencer, NC tap water safe to drink?
East Spencer's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in East Spencer's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is East Spencer'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 East Spencer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Spencer's water come from?
East Spencer's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,550 residents.
What health violations has East Spencer's water system had?
East Spencer has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does East Spencer's water compare to other cities?
East Spencer ranks #47 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 89% of state cities) and #4082 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Spencer's small water system affect quality?
East Spencer's system serves approximately 1,550 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 18 violations on record.