Is Lake Lure, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
39/100
waterverge.com Lake Lure, NC — Water Quality Report
Lake Lure's drinking water received a grade of F (39 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 4,249 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 488 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 77 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Lure's water
Lake Lure ranks #388 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lake Lure 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Lure, NC water safe to drink?
Lake Lure's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (39/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 4,249 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Lure
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Lure's water quality assessment. Grade: F (39/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Lure's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Lake Lure's water system has 488 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 77 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mecklenburg 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 Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg, Reedy Creek, Gar Creek, Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is, Long Creek.
Where does Lake Lure's water come from?
Lake Lure's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 4,249 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg (river), Reedy Creek (river), Gar Creek (river), Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is (river), Long Creek (river).
What Lake Lure residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Lure'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Lake Lure'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 droughtRutherford 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
Mecklenburg 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 Lake Lure'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. | 11.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| 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. | 1.72 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake Lure compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Lure ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Lure's water comes from
Lake Lure'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 private ownership and serves approximately 4,249 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Lake Lure
Lake Lure is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lake Lure
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRFIELD MOUNTAINS NO 1 | NC0181126 | 1,798 | GW |
| LAKE LURE, TOWN OF | NC0181020 | 1,176 | GW |
| FAIRFIELD MTNS-APPLE VALLEY | NC0181133 | 950 | GW |
| LAKE LURE VILLAGE RESORT | NC0181138 | 226 | GW |
| FIREFLY COVE | NC1081024 | 99 | GW |
How Lake Lure compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Lake Lure's score of 39/100 is on par with the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Lake Lure, NC
Wikipedia →Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. With a population of 874,579 at the 2020 census, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., seventh-most populous city in the South, and second-most populous city in the Southeast. The Charlotte metropolitan area, with an estimated 2.88 million residents, is the 21st-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of an 18-county combined statistical area with an estimated population of 3.47 million as of 2024. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Lure's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rutherford
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Lure, NC tap water safe to drink?
Lake Lure's water quality earned a grade of F (39/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #388 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Lake Lure's water?
Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 488 violations are on record.
How is Lake Lure'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 Lure?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Lure's water come from?
Lake Lure's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 4,249 residents.
What health violations has Lake Lure's water system had?
Lake Lure has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 77 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Lure's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Lure 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 488 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 Lake Lure's water compare to other cities?
Lake Lure ranks #388 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 7% of state cities) and #15288 out of 15744 cities nationally (3th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.