Is Grover, 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 ↓
81.2/100
waterverge.com Grover, NC — Water Quality Report
Grover's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 805 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 35 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grover's water
Grover ranks #134 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, Grover may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grover, NC water safe to drink?
Grover's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 805 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Grover
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grover's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.2/100).
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: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grover'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
Grover's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cleveland County has experienced 6 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 Gaston Shoals Reservoir Above Blacksburg, Broad River, Buffalo Creek Bl Moss Lake Dam Nr Oak Grove, Buffalo Creek Nr Blacksburg, Ninetynine Island Res. Below Cherokee Falls.
Where does Grover's water come from?
Grover's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 805 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Gaston Shoals Reservoir Above Blacksburg (lake), Broad River (river), Buffalo Creek Bl Moss Lake Dam Nr Oak Grove (river), Buffalo Creek Nr Blacksburg (river), Ninetynine Island Res. Below Cherokee Falls (lake).
What Grover residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grover'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.
Grover'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 Grover
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grover, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 415,398 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MILLIKEN CHEMICAL ALLEN PLANT BLACKSBURG, SC29702 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 414,703 | 6.3 mi |
CNA HOLDINGS LLC-SHELBY GROVER, NC28073 | Ethylene glycol | 685 | 4.9 mi |
PARKER HANNIFIN - GPD KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC28086 | Zinc compounds | 7 | 8.9 mi |
CONCRETE SUPPLY CO - KINGS MOUTAIN KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC28086 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2 | 7.3 mi |
GREENHECK FAN CORP - KINGS MOUNTAIN KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC28086 | Copper | 0 | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Grover
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.
- CELANESE CORP SHELBY FIBER OPERATIONS4.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCleveland 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
Cleveland County has experienced 6 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 Grover'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.412 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Grover compares by contaminant
Explore where Grover ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grover's water comes from
Grover'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 805 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Grover
Grover is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Grover
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GROVER, TOWN OF | NC0123030 | 805 | SWP |
How Grover compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Grover's score of 81.2/100 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 Grover, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grover's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cleveland
Frequently asked questions
Is Grover, NC tap water safe to drink?
Grover's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #134 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Grover's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Grover'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 Grover?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grover's water come from?
Grover's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 805 residents.
What health violations has Grover's water system had?
Grover has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
How does Grover's water compare to other cities?
Grover ranks #134 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 68% of state cities) and #7573 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Grover's small water system affect quality?
Grover's system serves approximately 805 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 35 violations on record.