Is Mcadenville, 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 ↓
73.5/100
waterverge.com Mcadenville, NC — Water Quality Report
Mcadenville's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,053 residents using purchased 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 139 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mcadenville's water
Mcadenville ranks #224 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Mcadenville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mcadenville, NC water safe to drink?
Mcadenville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,053 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mcadenville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mcadenville's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.5/100).
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-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mcadenville'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
Mcadenville's water system has 139 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 32 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gaston 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 Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is, Gum Branch, Long Creek Nr Rhyne, Paw, Beaverdam Creek Ab Windy Gap Road Nr Shopton.
Where does Mcadenville's water come from?
Mcadenville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 2,053 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is (river), Gum Branch (river), Long Creek Nr Rhyne (river), Paw (river), Beaverdam Creek Ab Windy Gap Road Nr Shopton (river).
What Mcadenville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mcadenville'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.
Mcadenville'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 Mcadenville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mcadenville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 117 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STEELFAB INC CHARLOTTE, NC28214 | Copper | 87 | 6.3 mi |
DAIMLER TRUCK NA LLC GASTONIA, NC28052 | Zinc compounds | 14 | 7.1 mi |
CARUS LLC BELMONT SITE BELMONT, NC28012 | Zinc compounds | 7 | 1.9 mi |
TRANE US INC. CHARLOTTE, NC28208 | Copper | 5 | 9.7 mi |
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS LLC - ALLEN STEAM STATION BELMONT, NC28012 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 4 | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Mcadenville
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- NORTH BELMONT PCE1.7 mi
- JADCO HUGHES FACILITY2.3 mi
- HEMPHILL ROAD TCE7.8 mi
- DAVIS PARK ROAD TCE8.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGaston 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
Gaston 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 Mcadenville'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. | 2.07 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mcadenville compares by contaminant
Explore where Mcadenville ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mcadenville's water comes from
Mcadenville'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 2,053 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Mcadenville
Mcadenville is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mcadenville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCADENVILLE, TOWN OF | NC0136045 | 930 | SWP |
| MCADENVILLE CROSSROADS | NC2036026 | 470 | SWP |
| MAGNOLIA SPRING-SOUTHFORK S/D | NC0136363 | 333 | GW |
| EAST GASTON MHP | NC0136243 | 124 | GW |
| FOREST ACRES | NC0136291 | 99 | GW |
| BEECHBROOK S/D | NC0136106 | 97 | GW |
How Mcadenville compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Mcadenville's score of 73.5/100 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 Mcadenville, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mcadenville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gaston
Frequently asked questions
Is Mcadenville, NC tap water safe to drink?
Mcadenville's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #224 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Mcadenville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 139 violations are on record.
How is Mcadenville'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 Mcadenville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mcadenville's water come from?
Mcadenville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 2,053 residents.
What health violations has Mcadenville's water system had?
Mcadenville has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mcadenville's water compare to other cities?
Mcadenville ranks #224 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 46% of state cities) and #10073 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.