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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 28814 Water Quality Report

Asheville, NC · Buncombe County County

Safety Score
F

Water Safety Grade

Failing — Serious compliance issues

Health Violations

7

Total Violations

25

Lead Risk

N/A

Contaminants

5

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 6 unresolved violations. Contact City of Asheville for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 28814

Tap water in ZIP code 28814 (Asheville, NC) has received a failing F grade (score: 35/100) based on EPA compliance data. City of Asheville has a significant history of water quality violations. Residents are strongly encouraged to use a certified water filter and contact their local water authority for current advisories.

Water System

City of Asheville

EPA ID: NC0111010

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

157,431 residents

County

Buncombe County County, North Carolina

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Lead Levels in ZIP 28814

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 29.3 ppb — EXCEEDS EPA Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 28814 is 29.3 ppb, which EXCEEDS the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This is a serious concern. The water utility is legally required to notify residents, identify the source of contamination, and take corrective action. Do not give this water to infants, children, or pregnant women without first passing it through a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter. Contact City of Asheville immediately for current guidance, or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Lead Level (90th percentile)
29.30 ppb (0.0293 mg/L)
Copper Level (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

1.93 mg/L
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

3 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.1 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Unknown
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

City of Asheville has recorded 7 health-based violations in the past 5 years — significantly above the national average. This volume of violations indicates serious and recurring compliance issues. Independent water testing and in-home filtration are strongly recommended. 6 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
25
Health-Based Violations
7
Unresolved Violations
6
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. City of Asheville has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 5 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 28814: Stage 1 DBP Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule, Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Coliform (TCR), Contaminant 0800. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Stage 1 DBP RuleStage 2 DBP RuleTotal Trihalomethanes (TTHM)Coliform (TCR)Contaminant 0800

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Trihalomethane (TTHM) (68 ppb); Haloacetic Acid HAA5 (52 ppb)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against City of Asheville — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 28814 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact City of Asheville to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 28814 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 28814?+
Tap water in 28814 has a below-average water quality grade of F. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 28814 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 28814 is 29.3 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This exceeds the EPA action level — use a certified lead-reducing water filter.
Who provides tap water to 28814?+
Tap water in ZIP code 28814 is provided by City of Asheville (EPA ID: NC0111010). This system serves approximately 157,431 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 28814?+
ZIP code 28814 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 28814 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 6 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact City of Asheville for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 28814?+
Your water utility — City of Asheville — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "City of Asheville Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 28814?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 28814, with detected contaminants including Stage 1 DBP Rule and Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 28814 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 29.3 ppb in 28814, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 28814 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by City of Asheville. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →