Is Ridgecrest, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Ridgecrest, NC — Water Quality Report
Ridgecrest's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 950 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 28 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ridgecrest's water
Ridgecrest ranks #98 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Ridgecrest 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, Ridgecrest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ridgecrest, NC water safe to drink?
Ridgecrest's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 950 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ridgecrest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ridgecrest's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
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-4617). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ridgecrest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ridgecrest's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 2 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 Ridgecrest's water come from?
Ridgecrest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 950 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 Ridgecrest residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ridgecrest'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.
Ridgecrest'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 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.
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 Ridgecrest compares by contaminant
Explore where Ridgecrest ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ridgecrest's water comes from
Ridgecrest'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 private ownership and serves approximately 950 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ridgecrest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROYAL GORGE WATER UTILITY | NC0111118 | 950 | GW |
How Ridgecrest compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Ridgecrest's score of 83.5/100 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 →About Ridgecrest, NC
Wikipedia →Ridgecrest is an unincorporated community in eastern Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States, off Interstate 40/U.S. Route 70. The community is part of the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is home to Ridgecrest Conference Center, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys and Camp Crestridge for Girls. All three facilities are operated by the newly founded Ridgecrest Foundation and are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. The conference center and summer camps were purchased by the Ridgecrest Foundation on December 30, 2020. Both summer camps are run under the direction of Phil Berry.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ridgecrest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Buncombe
Frequently asked questions
Is Ridgecrest, NC tap water safe to drink?
Ridgecrest's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #98 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Ridgecrest's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Ridgecrest'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 Ridgecrest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ridgecrest's water come from?
Ridgecrest's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 950 residents.
Is Ridgecrest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ridgecrest 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 28 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 Ridgecrest's water compare to other cities?
Ridgecrest ranks #98 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 76% of state cities) and #6415 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ridgecrest's small water system affect quality?
Ridgecrest's system serves approximately 950 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 28 violations on record.