Is Linville, 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 ↓
44.9/100
waterverge.com Linville, NC — Water Quality Report
Linville's drinking water received a grade of F (44.9 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 4,224 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 333 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 66 remain unresolved.
What to know about Linville's water
Linville ranks #351 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Linville 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 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Linville, NC water safe to drink?
Linville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 4,224 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Linville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Linville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44.9/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Linville'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
Linville's water system has 333 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 66 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Avery 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 Buckeye Cr Above Buckeye Lake, Buckeye Cr Below Buckeye Lake.
Where does Linville's water come from?
Linville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 4,224 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Buckeye Cr Above Buckeye Lake (river), Buckeye Cr Below Buckeye Lake (river).
What Linville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Linville'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.
Linville'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 droughtAvery 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
Avery 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 Linville'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. | 7.0 | 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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Linville compares by contaminant
Explore where Linville ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Linville's water comes from
Linville'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 4,224 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Linville
Linville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Linville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LINVILLE LAND HARBOR | NC0106104 | 2,280 | GW |
| LINVILLE RIDGE | NC0106117 | 710 | GW |
| LINVILLE RESORTS INC | NC0106105 | 499 | GW |
| CHARLES A CANNON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL | NC0106123 | 320 | GW |
| GRANDFATHER GOLF & COUNTRY CLU | NC0106108 | 250 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN SPRING WATER SYSTEM | NC0106114 | 165 | GW |
How Linville compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Linville's score of 44.9/100 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 Linville, NC
Wikipedia →Linville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Avery County, North Carolina, United States. It was first listed as a CDP in the 2020 census with a population of 283. Centered just south of US 221 and NC 105, the community is known as a summer mountain resort and host of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, the largest modern Highland games events in North Carolina.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Linville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Avery
Frequently asked questions
Is Linville, NC tap water safe to drink?
Linville's water quality earned a grade of F (44.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #351 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Linville's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 333 violations are on record.
How is Linville'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 Linville?
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 Linville's water come from?
Linville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 4,224 residents.
What health violations has Linville's water system had?
Linville has 11 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. 66 violations remain unresolved.
Is Linville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Linville 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 333 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 Linville's water compare to other cities?
Linville ranks #351 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 16% of state cities) and #14326 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.