Is Lenoir, 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 ↓
70.3/100
waterverge.com Lenoir, NC — Water Quality Report
Lenoir's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,244 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 149 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lenoir's water
Lenoir ranks #240 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lenoir 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, Lenoir may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lenoir, NC water safe to drink?
Lenoir's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,244 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lenoir
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lenoir's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Lenoir'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
Lenoir's water system has 149 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Caldwell 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 Yadkin River, Catawba River.
Where does Lenoir's water come from?
Lenoir's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,244 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yadkin River (river), Catawba River (river).
What Lenoir residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lenoir'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.
Lenoir'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 Lenoir
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lenoir, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RPM WOOD FINISHES GROUP INC HUDSON, NC28638 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
SHURTAPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC-HUDSON OPP PLANT HUDSON, NC28638 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
TEIJIN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES NORTH CAROLINA COMPOSITES LL LENOIR, NC28645 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
LENOIR MIRROR CO LENOIR, NC28645 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
BRENNTAG MIDSOUTH INC LENOIR, NC28645 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCaldwell 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
Caldwell 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lenoir'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. | 3.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.442 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Lenoir compares by contaminant
Explore where Lenoir ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lenoir's water comes from
Lenoir'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 1,244 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lenoir
Lenoir is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lenoir
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREEN MOUNTAIN PARK | NC0114459 | 1,194 | GW |
| PATTERSON SCHOOL | NC0114466 | 50 | GW |
How Lenoir compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Lenoir's score of 70.3/100 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 Lenoir, NC
Wikipedia →Lenoir is a city in and the county seat of Caldwell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 18,263 at the 2020 census. Lenoir is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. To the northeast are the Brushy Mountains, a spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hibriten Mountain, located just east of the city limits, marks the western end of the Brushy Mountains range.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lenoir's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caldwell
Frequently asked questions
Is Lenoir, NC tap water safe to drink?
Lenoir's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #240 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Lenoir's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 149 violations are on record.
How is Lenoir'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 Lenoir?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lenoir's water come from?
Lenoir's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,244 residents.
What health violations has Lenoir's water system had?
Lenoir has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lenoir's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lenoir 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 149 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 Lenoir's water compare to other cities?
Lenoir ranks #240 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 42% of state cities) and #10765 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.