Is Fletcher, NC 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 ↓
70.8/100
waterverge.com Fletcher, NC — Water Quality Report
Fletcher's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 846 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.9 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 204 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fletcher's water
Fletcher ranks #236 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Fletcher 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, Fletcher may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fletcher, NC water safe to drink?
Fletcher's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 846 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fletcher
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fletcher's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Fletcher'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
Fletcher's water system has 204 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Henderson County has experienced 7 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 French Broad River, Mills River, Mud Creek, French Broad R, Hominy Creek Nr West Asheville.
Where does Fletcher's water come from?
Fletcher's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 846 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include French Broad River (river), Mills River (river), Mud Creek (river), French Broad R (river), Hominy Creek Nr West Asheville (river).
What Fletcher residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fletcher'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.
Fletcher'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 Fletcher
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fletcher, 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 | 2.6 mi |
WILSONART LLC FLETCHER, NC28732 | Methanol | 15 | 1.6 mi |
CAROLINA READY MIX & BUILDERS SUPPLY LLC FLETCHER, NC28732 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 3 | 1.6 mi |
ADAMS AN OLDCASTLE CO-ASHEVILLE ASHEVILLE, NC28803 | Lead | 0 | 9.6 mi |
DAY INTERNATIONAL INC ARDEN, NC28704 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Fletcher
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 COMPANY2.4 mi
- CTS OF ASHEVILLE INC4.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHenderson 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
Henderson County has experienced 7 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 Fletcher'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. | 3.9 | 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. | 1.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fletcher compares by contaminant
Explore where Fletcher ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fletcher's water comes from
Fletcher'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 846 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fletcher
Fletcher is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fletcher
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLETCHER ACADEMY INC | NC0145113 | 790 | GW |
| FAIRFIELD APARTMENTS | NC0145149 | 56 | SWP |
How Fletcher compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Fletcher's score of 70.8/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Fletcher, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fletcher's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Henderson
Frequently asked questions
Is Fletcher, NC tap water safe to drink?
Fletcher's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #236 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Fletcher's water?
Lead was measured at 3.9 ppb (90th percentile). 204 violations are on record.
How is Fletcher'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 Fletcher?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fletcher's water come from?
Fletcher's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 846 residents.
What health violations has Fletcher's water system had?
Fletcher has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 36 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fletcher's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fletcher 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 204 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 Fletcher's water compare to other cities?
Fletcher ranks #236 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 43% of state cities) and #10681 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.