Is Robbinsville, 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 ↓
66.8/100
waterverge.com Robbinsville, NC — Water Quality Report
Robbinsville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,091 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 291 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Robbinsville's water
Robbinsville ranks #258 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, Robbinsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Robbinsville, NC water safe to drink?
Robbinsville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,091 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Robbinsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Robbinsville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM, 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 Robbinsville'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
Robbinsville's water system has 291 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Graham 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 Cheoah River Nr Bearpen Gap Nr Tapoco.
Where does Robbinsville's water come from?
Robbinsville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,091 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cheoah River Nr Bearpen Gap Nr Tapoco (river).
What Robbinsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Robbinsville'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.
Robbinsville'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 Robbinsville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Robbinsville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SOUTHERN CONCRETE MATERIALS-ANDREWS PLANT ANDREWS, NC28901 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGraham 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
Graham 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Robbinsville'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. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.480 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Robbinsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Robbinsville ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Robbinsville's water comes from
Robbinsville'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 3,091 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Robbinsville
Robbinsville 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 Robbinsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROBBINSVILLE, TOWN OF | NC0138010 | 2,916 | SW |
| CROSS CREEK S/D | NC0138107 | 117 | GW |
| SANTEETLAH SHORES | NC0138103 | 58 | GW |
How Robbinsville compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Robbinsville's score of 66.8/100 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 Robbinsville, NC
Wikipedia →Robbinsville is a town in Graham County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 597 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Graham County, county population 8,030.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Robbinsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Graham
Frequently asked questions
Is Robbinsville, NC tap water safe to drink?
Robbinsville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #258 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Robbinsville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 291 violations are on record.
How is Robbinsville'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 Robbinsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Robbinsville's water come from?
Robbinsville's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,091 residents.
What health violations has Robbinsville's water system had?
Robbinsville 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. 35 violations remain unresolved.
How does Robbinsville's water compare to other cities?
Robbinsville ranks #258 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 38% of state cities) and #11331 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.