Is Fontana, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91/100
waterverge.com Fontana, NC — Water Quality Report
Fontana's drinking water received a grade of A (91 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 950 residents using 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 44 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fontana's water
Fontana ranks #14 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Fontana may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fontana, NC water safe to drink?
Fontana's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 950 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fontana
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fontana's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fontana's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fontana's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Graham 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 Cheoah River Nr Bearpen Gap Nr Tapoco.
Where does Fontana's water come from?
Fontana's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 950 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cheoah River Nr Bearpen Gap Nr Tapoco (river).
What Fontana residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fontana'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.
Fontana'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 droughtGraham 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
Graham 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.
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 Fontana compares by contaminant
Explore where Fontana ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fontana's water comes from
Fontana'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 950 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fontana
Fontana 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 Fontana
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF FONTANA DAM | NC0138101 | 950 | SW |
How Fontana compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Fontana's score of 91/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fontana's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Graham
Frequently asked questions
Is Fontana, NC tap water safe to drink?
Fontana's water quality earned a grade of A (91/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #14 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Fontana's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.
How is Fontana'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 Fontana?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fontana's water come from?
Fontana's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 950 residents.
What health violations has Fontana's water system had?
Fontana has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fontana's water compare to other cities?
Fontana ranks #14 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 97% of state cities) and #1953 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fontana's small water system affect quality?
Fontana's system serves approximately 950 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 44 violations on record.