Is Sapphire, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
55.9/100
waterverge.com Sapphire, NC — Water Quality Report
Sapphire's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 858 residents using groundwater.
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 395 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sapphire's water
Sapphire ranks #302 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sapphire 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.
As a small community water system, Sapphire may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sapphire, NC water safe to drink?
Sapphire's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 858 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sapphire
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sapphire's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sapphire's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sapphire's water system has 395 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 28 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Transylvania 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 S. Saluda River Nr Sunfish Mtn Nr Rocky Bottom, South Saluda River, Slicking Creek, Eastatoee Crk On Cleo Chapman Hwy, French Broad River.
Where does Sapphire's water come from?
Sapphire's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 858 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include S. Saluda River Nr Sunfish Mtn Nr Rocky Bottom (river), South Saluda River (river), Slicking Creek (river), Eastatoee Crk On Cleo Chapman Hwy (river), French Broad River (river).
What Sapphire residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sapphire'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.
Sapphire'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 droughtTransylvania 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
Transylvania 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Sapphire compares by contaminant
Explore where Sapphire ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sapphire's water comes from
Sapphire'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 858 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Sapphire
Sapphire is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sapphire
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPPHIRE LAKES DEVELOPMENT | NC0188127 | 724 | GW |
| THE DIVIDE WATER SYSTEM | NC1050037 | 89 | GW |
| PRESERVE AT ROCK CREEK | NC1088008 | 45 | GW |
How Sapphire compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Sapphire's score of 55.9/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sapphire's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Transylvania
Frequently asked questions
Is Sapphire, NC tap water safe to drink?
Sapphire's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #302 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Sapphire's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 395 violations are on record.
How is Sapphire'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 Sapphire?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sapphire's water come from?
Sapphire's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 858 residents.
What health violations has Sapphire's water system had?
Sapphire has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sapphire's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sapphire 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 395 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 Sapphire's water compare to other cities?
Sapphire ranks #302 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 28% of state cities) and #12504 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.