Is Roaring Gap, 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 ↓
69.5/100
waterverge.com Roaring Gap, NC — Water Quality Report
Roaring Gap's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,618 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 9.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 137 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roaring Gap's water
Roaring Gap ranks #242 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Roaring Gap 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Roaring Gap may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roaring Gap, NC water safe to drink?
Roaring Gap's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,618 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roaring Gap
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roaring Gap's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Roaring Gap's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Roaring Gap's water system has 137 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mecklenburg County has experienced 6 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 Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg, Reedy Creek, Gar Creek, Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is, Long Creek.
Where does Roaring Gap's water come from?
Roaring Gap's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,618 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg (river), Reedy Creek (river), Gar Creek (river), Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is (river), Long Creek (river).
What Roaring Gap residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roaring Gap'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Roaring Gap'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 droughtAlleghany 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
Mecklenburg County has experienced 6 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 Roaring Gap'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. | 9.6 | 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. | 1.45 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Roaring Gap compares by contaminant
Explore where Roaring Gap ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roaring Gap's water comes from
Roaring Gap'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 1,618 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Roaring Gap
Roaring Gap is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Roaring Gap
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGH MEADOWS S/D | NC0103102 | 650 | GW |
| ROARING GAP CLUB INC | NC0103104 | 493 | GW |
| OLDE BEAU GOLF CLUB | NC0103106 | 475 | GW |
How Roaring Gap compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Roaring Gap's score of 69.5/100 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 Roaring Gap, NC
Wikipedia →Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. With a population of 874,579 at the 2020 census, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., seventh-most populous city in the South, and second-most populous city in the Southeast. The Charlotte metropolitan area, with an estimated 2.88 million residents, is the 21st-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of an 18-county combined statistical area with an estimated population of 3.47 million as of 2024. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roaring Gap's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alleghany
Frequently asked questions
Is Roaring Gap, NC tap water safe to drink?
Roaring Gap's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #242 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Roaring Gap's water?
Lead was measured at 9.6 ppb (90th percentile). 137 violations are on record.
How is Roaring Gap'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 Roaring Gap?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roaring Gap's water come from?
Roaring Gap's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,618 residents.
What health violations has Roaring Gap's water system had?
Roaring Gap has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
Is Roaring Gap's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roaring Gap 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 137 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 Roaring Gap's water compare to other cities?
Roaring Gap ranks #242 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 42% of state cities) and #10914 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.