Is Newland, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67.3/100
waterverge.com Newland, NC — Water Quality Report
Newland's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,054 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 48 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newland's water
Newland ranks #253 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Newland 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, Newland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newland, NC water safe to drink?
Newland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,054 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Newland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newland's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
2 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-4617). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Newland'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
Newland's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Avery 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 Buckeye Cr Above Buckeye Lake, Buckeye Cr Below Buckeye Lake.
Where does Newland's water come from?
Newland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,054 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Buckeye Cr Above Buckeye Lake (river), Buckeye Cr Below Buckeye Lake (river).
What Newland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newland'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.
Newland'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
D3 — extreme droughtAvery 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
Avery 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 Newland'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. | 2.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Newland compares by contaminant
Explore where Newland ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newland's water comes from
Newland'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 1,054 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Newland
Newland is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Newland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWLAND, TOWN OF | NC0106020 | 999 | GW |
| THE HERITAGE OF SUGAR MOUNTAIN | NC0106121 | 55 | GW |
How Newland compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Newland's score of 67.3/100 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 Newland, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Avery
Frequently asked questions
Is Newland, NC tap water safe to drink?
Newland's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #253 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Newland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Newland'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 Newland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newland's water come from?
Newland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,054 residents.
What health violations has Newland's water system had?
Newland 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. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Newland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Newland 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 Newland's water compare to other cities?
Newland ranks #253 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 39% of state cities) and #11257 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.