Is Rhodhiss, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.5/100
waterverge.com Rhodhiss, NC — Water Quality Report
Rhodhiss's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 937 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 19 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rhodhiss's water
Rhodhiss ranks #252 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, Rhodhiss may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rhodhiss, NC water safe to drink?
Rhodhiss's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 937 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rhodhiss
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rhodhiss's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Rhodhiss's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rhodhiss's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Caldwell County has experienced 8 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, Upper Little R, Henry Fork.
Where does Rhodhiss's water come from?
Rhodhiss's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 937 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 (river), Upper Little R (river), Henry Fork (river).
What Rhodhiss residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rhodhiss'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.
Rhodhiss'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 Rhodhiss
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rhodhiss, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CAROLINA SOLVENTS INC HICKORY, NC28602 | Xylene (mixed isomers) | 15 | 6.8 mi |
HICKORY CHAIR LLC HICKORY, NC28602 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
HICKORY WHITE CASEGOODS DIV HICKORY, NC28602 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
SHURTAPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC - HICKORY TAPE PLANT HICKORY, NC28601 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
STRUCTURAL STEEL OF CAROLINA HICKORY, NC28601 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCaldwell 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
Caldwell County has experienced 8 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Rhodhiss compares by contaminant
Explore where Rhodhiss ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rhodhiss's water comes from
Rhodhiss'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 937 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Rhodhiss
Rhodhiss is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rhodhiss
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHODHISS, TOWN OF | NC0114035 | 867 | SWP |
| RHODHISS TOWN OF HENRY ST | NC1012017 | 70 | SWP |
How Rhodhiss compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Rhodhiss's score of 67.5/100 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 Rhodhiss, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rhodhiss's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caldwell
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhodhiss, NC tap water safe to drink?
Rhodhiss's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #252 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Rhodhiss's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Rhodhiss'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 Rhodhiss?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rhodhiss's water come from?
Rhodhiss's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 937 residents.
What health violations has Rhodhiss's water system had?
Rhodhiss has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rhodhiss's water compare to other cities?
Rhodhiss ranks #252 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 40% of state cities) and #11231 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.