Is Marble, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.1/100
waterverge.com Marble, NC — Water Quality Report
Marble's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 999 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.5 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 48 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Marble's water
Marble ranks #255 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Marble 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.
As a small community water system, Marble may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Marble, NC water safe to drink?
Marble's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 999 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Marble
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marble's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 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-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Marble'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.
Violation history
Marble's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cherokee County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Valley River.
Where does Marble's water come from?
Marble's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 999 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Valley River (river).
What Marble residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Marble'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.
Marble'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 Marble
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Marble, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TEAM INDUSTRIES ANDREWS INC. ANDREWS, NC28901 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
SNAP-ON POWER TOOLS INC. MURPHY, NC28906 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
SOUTHERN CONCRETE MATERIALS-ANDREWS PLANT ANDREWS, NC28901 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCherokee 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
Cherokee County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Marble'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. | 5.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Marble compares by contaminant
Explore where Marble ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marble's water comes from
Marble'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 999 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Marble
Marble is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Marble
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARBLE COMMUNITY WTR SYSTEM | NC0120025 | 999 | GW |
How Marble compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Marble's score of 67.1/100 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 Marble, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marble's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cherokee
Frequently asked questions
Is Marble, NC tap water safe to drink?
Marble's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #255 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Marble's water?
Lead was measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Marble'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 Marble?
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 Marble's water come from?
Marble's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 999 residents.
What health violations has Marble's water system had?
Marble has 4 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Marble's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Marble 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 48 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 Marble's water compare to other cities?
Marble ranks #255 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 39% of state cities) and #11276 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.
Does Marble's small water system affect quality?
Marble's system serves approximately 999 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 48 violations on record.