Is Lake Junaluska, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.1/100
waterverge.com Lake Junaluska, NC — Water Quality Report
Lake Junaluska's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,273 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 19 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Junaluska's water
Lake Junaluska ranks #151 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, Lake Junaluska may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Junaluska, NC water safe to drink?
Lake Junaluska's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,273 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Junaluska
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Junaluska's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Junaluska's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Junaluska's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Haywood County has experienced 8 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 W F Pigeon R Above Lake Logan Nr Hazelwood, West Fork Pigeon River, East Fork Pigeon River, Pigeon River.
Where does Lake Junaluska's water come from?
Lake Junaluska's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,273 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include W F Pigeon R Above Lake Logan Nr Hazelwood (river), West Fork Pigeon River (river), East Fork Pigeon River (river), Pigeon River (river).
What Lake Junaluska residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Junaluska'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.
Lake Junaluska'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 Lake Junaluska
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lake Junaluska, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 62,052 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BLUE RIDGE PAPER PRODUCTS LLC CANTON, NC28716 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 62,052 | 7.4 mi |
CONSOLIDATED METCO INC CANTON, NC28716 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
BLUE RIDGE PAPER PRODUCTS - WAYNESVILLE WAYNESVILLE, NC28786 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
APPLACHIAN SITEWORK WAYNESVILLE, NC28785 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
SOUTHERN CONCRETE MATERIALS-WEST WAYNESVILLE PLANT WAYNESVILLE, NC28786 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lake Junaluska
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.
- BENFIELD INDUSTRIES INC4.0 mi
- BARBER ORCHARD7.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHaywood 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
Haywood County has experienced 8 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 Lake Junaluska compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Junaluska ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Junaluska's water comes from
Lake Junaluska'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,273 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Lake Junaluska
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE JUNALUSKA ASSEMBLY | NC0144107 | 2,273 | SWP |
How Lake Junaluska compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Lake Junaluska's score of 80.1/100 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 Lake Junaluska, NC
Wikipedia →Waynesville is a town in and the county seat of Haywood County, North Carolina, United States. It is the largest town in North Carolina west of Asheville. Waynesville is located about 30 miles (50 km) southwest of Asheville between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Junaluska's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Haywood
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Junaluska, NC tap water safe to drink?
Lake Junaluska's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #151 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Lake Junaluska's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Lake Junaluska'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 Lake Junaluska?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Junaluska's water come from?
Lake Junaluska's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,273 residents.
What health violations has Lake Junaluska's water system had?
Lake Junaluska has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Lake Junaluska's water compare to other cities?
Lake Junaluska ranks #151 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 64% of state cities) and #8010 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lake Junaluska's small water system affect quality?
Lake Junaluska's system serves approximately 2,273 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 19 violations on record.