01The verdict: is Saluda water safe?
Saluda's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,912 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Copper is over its legal limit
Measured at 5.56 mg/L against the EPA Action Level of 1.3 mg/L. The ledger below shows how far over — and which filter removes it.
See the measurement ↓Top half in North Carolina
Saluda ranks #168 of 400 graded North Carolina cities.
See the comparison ↓Lead is approaching its limit
Measured at 11.0 ppb — 73% of the 15 ppb limit. Within the rules, but with less headroom than you'd want.
See the ledger ↓Saluda's drinking water received a grade of B (78.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,912 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 11.0 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 65 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Saluda ranks #168 out of 400 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range 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. 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, Saluda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
02What's in Saluda's water
Every contaminant flagged in Saluda, on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
Over Limit — EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L
Exceeds the EPA action level. Copper leaches from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking, and consider a certified filter.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. | 11.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| 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. | 5.56 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in North Carolina
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in North Carolina
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Saluda's ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 65 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
9 of the last ten years were clean. The numbered years had EPA violations — red when any were health-based, amber when they were paperwork or missed-testing issues.
▼ Down 7 ppb since 1995. Latest reading: 11 ppb (2025) — 73% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
▲ Up 2.8 mg/L since 2008. The latest reading (5.6 mg/L, 2012) is over the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Saluda's water comes from
Saluda's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Purchased Surface Water
Rivers, lakes, or reservoirs — more exposed to runoff, agriculture, and seasonal swings than groundwater.
Wholesale supplier
Multi-barrier treatment: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA standards.
2 systems
2 water systems, operated under local government ownership.
1,912 people
Residents served across Saluda's service area.
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 1,912 people through 2 water systems.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALUDA CITY OF | NC0175020 | 1,814 | Purchased Surface Water |
| LAKE SHEILA WATER SYSTEM | NC0145129 | 98 | Groundwater |
Water bodies near Saluda
As a surface-water system, these water bodies may directly influence Saluda's drinking water supply.
05Pressure on Saluda's watershed
Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.
Industrial discharge
3 facilities within 10 miles reported 0 lb released to surface water in the latest EPA Toxics Release Inventory. Proximity doesn't equal tap contamination — treatment and hydrology decide — but it's pressure on the watershed.
Flood & storm history
9 federal disaster declarations on record for Polk County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.
Superfund proximity
1 National Priorities List site within 10 miles. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
Drought
Henderson County is in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of Jul 2026). Drought can raise disinfection-byproduct levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
06How Saluda compares
Scores for nearby North Carolina cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = North Carolina average (43/100)
Saluda scores 78.5/100 — above the North Carolina average of 43/100. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities. Full North Carolina rankings →
36.5 / 100FRaleigh, NC
30.7 / 100AClemmons, NC
86 / 100FDurham, NC
36.6 / 100FGreensboro, NC
33.5 / 100FCary, NC
34.6 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
07What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Saluda's water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
NSF-certified water filter. Lead detected at 11.0 ppb
Compare tested filters →Flush taps & check your service line
Lead leaches from pipes as water sits. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking (especially mornings), and ask the utility whether your address still has a lead service line.
Lead risks explained →Watch for Saluda alerts
This area has a history of flood declarations — after severe weather, watch for boil-water advisories from the utility, and check the live alerts on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Saluda, NC tap water safe to drink?
Saluda's water quality earned a grade of B (78.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #168 out of 400 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Saluda's water?
Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Saluda'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 Saluda?
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 Saluda's water come from?
Saluda's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,912 residents.
How does Saluda's water compare to other cities?
Saluda ranks #168 out of 400 cities in North Carolina (better than 58% of state cities) and #8570 out of 15382 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.