Is Mars Hill, 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 ↓
76.7/100
waterverge.com Mars Hill, NC — Water Quality Report
Mars Hill's drinking water received a grade of B (76.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,849 residents using 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 138 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mars Hill's water
Mars Hill ranks #192 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mars Hill, NC water safe to drink?
Mars Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,849 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mars Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mars Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mars Hill'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
Mars Hill's water system has 138 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison 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 Ivy River, French Broad River.
Where does Mars Hill's water come from?
Mars Hill's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,849 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ivy River (river), French Broad River (river).
What Mars Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mars Hill'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.
Mars Hill'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 Mars Hill
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mars Hill, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DODGE MECHANICAL POWER TRANSMISSION CO WEAVERVILLE, NC28787 | Copper | 0 | 10.0 mi |
CAROLINA READY MIX & BUILDING SUPPLY LLC - MARSHALL MARSHALL, NC28753 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
SAMOA CORP WEAVERVILLE, NC28787 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC ASHEVILLE, NC28804 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMadison 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
Madison 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 Mars Hill'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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.500 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Mars Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Mars Hill ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mars Hill's water comes from
Mars Hill'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 4,849 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mars Hill
Mars Hill is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mars Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARS HILL, TOWN OF | NC0158010 | 3,030 | SW |
| WOLF LAUREL RESORT | NC0158101 | 1,819 | GW |
How Mars Hill compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Mars Hill's score of 76.7/100 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 Mars Hill, NC
Wikipedia →Mars Hill is a town in Madison County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,007 at the 2020 census, up from 1,869 in 2010. It is the home of Mars Hill University. The town is in western North Carolina, north of Asheville, and is served by Interstate 26. It is part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mars Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Mars Hill, NC tap water safe to drink?
Mars Hill's water quality earned a grade of B (76.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #192 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Mars Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 138 violations are on record.
How is Mars Hill'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 Mars Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mars Hill's water come from?
Mars Hill's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,849 residents.
What health violations has Mars Hill's water system had?
Mars Hill has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mars Hill's water compare to other cities?
Mars Hill ranks #192 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 54% of state cities) and #9213 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.