Is Rutherford Coll, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.3/100
waterverge.com Rutherford Coll, NC — Water Quality Report
Rutherford Coll's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,083 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 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rutherford Coll's water
Rutherford Coll ranks #99 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above 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, Rutherford Coll may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rutherford Coll, NC water safe to drink?
Rutherford Coll's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,083 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rutherford Coll
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rutherford Coll's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rutherford Coll's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rutherford Coll's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Burke 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, Henry Fork.
Where does Rutherford Coll's water come from?
Rutherford Coll's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,083 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), Henry Fork (river).
What Rutherford Coll residents can do
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.
Rutherford Coll'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 droughtBurke 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
Burke 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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Rutherford Coll compares by contaminant
Explore where Rutherford Coll ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rutherford Coll's water comes from
Rutherford Coll'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 2,083 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rutherford Coll
Rutherford Coll is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Rutherford Coll
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RUTHERFORD COLLEGE TOWN OF | NC0112055 | 2,083 | SWP |
How Rutherford Coll compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Rutherford Coll's score of 83.3/100 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 Rutherford Coll, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rutherford Coll's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Burke
Frequently asked questions
Is Rutherford Coll, NC tap water safe to drink?
Rutherford Coll's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #99 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Rutherford Coll's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Rutherford Coll'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 Rutherford Coll?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rutherford Coll's water come from?
Rutherford Coll's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,083 residents.
What health violations has Rutherford Coll's water system had?
Rutherford Coll has 1 health-based violation 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rutherford Coll's water compare to other cities?
Rutherford Coll ranks #99 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 76% of state cities) and #6491 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 Rutherford Coll's small water system affect quality?
Rutherford Coll's system serves approximately 2,083 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 3 violations on record.