Is Montreat, 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 ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Montreat, NC — Water Quality Report
Montreat's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 798 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 66 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Montreat's water
Montreat ranks #144 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Montreat 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, Montreat may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montreat, NC water safe to drink?
Montreat's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 798 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Montreat
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montreat's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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.
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE, p-Dichlorobenzene.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Montreat'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
Montreat's water system has 66 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Buncombe County has experienced 9 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 North Fork Swannanoa River, Beetree Creek.
Where does Montreat's water come from?
Montreat's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 798 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Swannanoa River (river), Beetree Creek (river).
What Montreat residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Montreat'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.
Montreat'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 Montreat
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Montreat, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CAROLINA READY MIX & BUILDERS SUPPLY LLC - SWANNANOA SWANNANOA, NC28778 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 3 | 5.7 mi |
KEARFOTT CORP MOTION SYSTEMS DIV BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC28711 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
RUSSELL STANDARD CORP BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC28711 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Montreat
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.
- CHEMTRONICS INC7.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBuncombe 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
Buncombe County has experienced 9 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 Montreat'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 (2003)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Montreat compares by contaminant
Explore where Montreat ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montreat's water comes from
Montreat'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 798 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Montreat
Montreat is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Montreat
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTREAT WATER SYSTEM | NC0111484 | 798 | GW |
How Montreat compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Montreat's score of 80.5/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montreat's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Buncombe
Frequently asked questions
Is Montreat, NC tap water safe to drink?
Montreat's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #144 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Montreat's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 66 violations are on record.
How is Montreat'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 Montreat?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Montreat's water come from?
Montreat's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 798 residents.
What health violations has Montreat's water system had?
Montreat has 2 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Montreat's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Montreat 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 66 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 Montreat's water compare to other cities?
Montreat ranks #144 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 65% of state cities) and #7852 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Montreat's small water system affect quality?
Montreat's system serves approximately 798 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 66 violations on record.