Is High Shoals, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.4/100
waterverge.com High Shoals, NC — Water Quality Report
High Shoals's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 729 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 60 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about High Shoals's water
High Shoals ranks #73 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, High Shoals may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is High Shoals, NC water safe to drink?
High Shoals's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 729 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for High Shoals
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into High Shoals's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for High Shoals's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
High Shoals's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gaston 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 Indian Creek, Long Creek, South Fork Catawba River.
Where does High Shoals's water come from?
High Shoals's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 729 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Indian Creek (river), Long Creek (river), South Fork Catawba River (river).
What High Shoals residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in High Shoals'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.
High Shoals'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 High Shoals
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near High Shoals, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 18 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DAIMLER TRUCK NA LLC GASTONIA, NC28052 | Zinc compounds | 14 | 7.1 mi |
CONCRETE SUPPLY CO. LLC - DALLAS DALLAS, NC28034 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 4 | 6.4 mi |
ROBERT BOSCH TOOL CORP LINCOLNTON, NC28092 | Lead | 0 | 4.6 mi |
DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES INC. BESSEMER CITY, NC28016 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
LIVENT USA CORP BESSEMER CITY, NC28016 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGaston 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
Gaston 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.
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 High Shoals compares by contaminant
Explore where High Shoals ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where High Shoals's water comes from
High Shoals'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 729 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near High Shoals
High Shoals is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving High Shoals
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGH SHOALS, CITY OF | NC0136075 | 729 | SWP |
How High Shoals compares
Full North Carolina rankings →High Shoals's score of 85.4/100 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 High Shoals, NC
Wikipedia →High Shoals is a city in Gaston County, North Carolina, United States, named for the high rocky shoal across the Catawba River. As of the 2020 census, High Shoals had a population of 595.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to High Shoals's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gaston
Frequently asked questions
Is High Shoals, NC tap water safe to drink?
High Shoals's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in High Shoals's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is High Shoals'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 High Shoals?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does High Shoals's water come from?
High Shoals's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 729 residents.
What health violations has High Shoals's water system had?
High Shoals has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does High Shoals's water compare to other cities?
High Shoals ranks #73 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 82% of state cities) and #5359 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does High Shoals's small water system affect quality?
High Shoals's system serves approximately 729 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 60 violations on record.