Is Mt Pleasant, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45.9/100
waterverge.com Mt Pleasant, NC — Water Quality Report
Mt Pleasant's drinking water received a grade of D (45.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,722 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 115 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mt Pleasant's water
Mt Pleasant ranks #345 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 52.1 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, Mt Pleasant may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mt Pleasant, NC water safe to drink?
Mt Pleasant's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,722 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mt Pleasant
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mt Pleasant's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45.9/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mt Pleasant's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Elevated disinfection byproduct levels. These form when chlorine interacts with organic matter during water treatment.
Violation history
Mt Pleasant's water system has 115 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cabarrus County has experienced 7 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 Rocky R Ab Irish Buffalo Cr Nr Rocky River.
Where does Mt Pleasant's water come from?
Mt Pleasant's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,722 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rocky R Ab Irish Buffalo Cr Nr Rocky River (river).
What Mt Pleasant residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mt Pleasant'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.
Mt Pleasant'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
D4 — exceptional droughtCabarrus County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 23.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Cabarrus County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Mt Pleasant compares by contaminant
Explore where Mt Pleasant ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mt Pleasant's water comes from
Mt Pleasant'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 1,722 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mt Pleasant
Mt Pleasant is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Mt Pleasant
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT PLEASANT, TOWN OF | NC0113020 | 1,722 | SW |
How Mt Pleasant compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Mt Pleasant's score of 45.9/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mt Pleasant's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cabarrus
Frequently asked questions
Is Mt Pleasant, NC tap water safe to drink?
Mt Pleasant's water quality earned a grade of D (45.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #345 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Mt Pleasant's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 115 violations are on record.
How is Mt Pleasant'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 Mt Pleasant?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mt Pleasant's water come from?
Mt Pleasant's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,722 residents.
What health violations has Mt Pleasant's water system had?
Mt Pleasant has 19 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mt Pleasant's water compare to other cities?
Mt Pleasant ranks #345 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 17% of state cities) and #14102 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mt Pleasant's small water system affect quality?
Mt Pleasant's system serves approximately 1,722 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 115 violations on record.