Is Saluda, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.5/100
waterverge.com Saluda, NC — Water Quality Report
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.
What to know about Saluda's water
Saluda ranks #169 out of 417 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saluda, NC water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Saluda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saluda's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.5/100).
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.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Saluda'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
Saluda's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk 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 Saluda River, Big Falls Creek, North Saluda Reservoir, N. Saluda River Bl N. Saluda Res. Above Slater, Mud Creek.
Where does Saluda's water come from?
Saluda's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,912 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include North Saluda River (river), Big Falls Creek (river), North Saluda Reservoir (lake), N. Saluda River Bl N. Saluda Res. Above Slater (river), Mud Creek (river).
What Saluda residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Saluda'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.
Saluda'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 Saluda
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Saluda, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MMA MANUFACTURING EAST FLAT ROCK, NC28726 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
COATS NA HENDERSONVILLE PLANT HENDERSONVILLE, NC28791 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
SOUTHERN CONCRETE MATERIALS-HENDERSONVILLE PLANT HENDERSONVILLE, NC28792 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Saluda
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- GENERAL ELECTRIC CO SHEPHERD FARM4.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHenderson 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
Polk 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Saluda'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. | 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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Saluda compares by contaminant
Explore where Saluda ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saluda's water comes from
Saluda'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 1,912 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Saluda
Saluda is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Saluda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALUDA CITY OF | NC0175020 | 1,814 | SWP |
| LAKE SHEILA WATER SYSTEM | NC0145129 | 98 | GW |
How Saluda compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Saluda's score of 78.5/100 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 Saluda, NC
Wikipedia →Saluda is a city in Polk and Henderson counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 631 at the 2020 census. Saluda is famous for sitting at the top of the Norfolk Southern Railway's Saluda Grade, which was the steepest main line standard-gauge railway line in the United States until Norfolk Southern ceased operations on the line in 2001. Saluda is close to the South Carolina state line, between Asheville, North Carolina, and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saluda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
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 #169 out of 417 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 #169 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 59% of state cities) and #8670 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.