Is Hot Springs, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67/100
waterverge.com Hot Springs, NC — Water Quality Report
Hot Springs's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 946 residents using groundwater.
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 197 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hot Springs's water
Hot Springs ranks #256 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hot Springs 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, Hot Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hot Springs, NC water safe to drink?
Hot Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 946 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hot Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hot Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hot Springs'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
Hot Springs's water system has 197 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Hot Springs's water come from?
Hot Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 946 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).
What Hot Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hot Springs'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.
Hot Springs'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 droughtMadison 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
Madison County has experienced 10 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 Hot Springs'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. | 2.78 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.780 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hot Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Hot Springs ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hot Springs's water comes from
Hot Springs'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 946 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hot Springs
Hot Springs is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hot Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOT SPRINGS, TOWN OF | NC0158020 | 887 | GW |
| FAIRVIEW WATER ASSOC | NC0158025 | 59 | GW |
How Hot Springs compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Hot Springs's score of 67/100 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 Hot Springs, NC
Wikipedia →Hot Springs is a town in Madison County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 520 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Asheville metropolitan statistical area. It is situated on the Appalachian Trail and French Broad River near the North Carolina-Tennessee border. Hot Springs is best known for its hiking trails, natural springs, and mountain town atmosphere.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hot Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Hot Springs, NC tap water safe to drink?
Hot Springs's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #256 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Hot Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 197 violations are on record.
How is Hot Springs'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 Hot Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hot Springs's water come from?
Hot Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 946 residents.
What health violations has Hot Springs's water system had?
Hot Springs has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 39 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hot Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hot Springs 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 197 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 Hot Springs's water compare to other cities?
Hot Springs ranks #256 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 39% of state cities) and #11297 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.