Concord Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Concord tap water has some quality concerns you should be aware of. At just 64 ppm (3.7 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 56 violations recorded over the past 3 years.

C

Some Concerns

Monitor recommended

3.7 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

0.04ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Moderate water

64ppm
0100300+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

56total

5 health-based

View EPA report →

Is Concord Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Concord tap water has some quality concerns but remains within acceptable limits.

EPA Violations5 health-based EPA violations in the past 3 years across 21 water systems. Plus 51 monitoring/reporting violations.

Health-based violations mean the water exceeded a federal maximum contaminant level. This is more serious than administrative violations.

Consider testing your water at home and using a certified water filter until violations are resolved.

LeadLead (0.04 ppb) is well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.

The data below shows test results from 21 water utilities serving 127K people in the Concord area.

Based on publicly available data from EPA Water Quality Portal (Various). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.

Do I Need a Water Filter?

Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Concord. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce common contaminants.

How Hard is Concord Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

64 ppm

3.7 grains per gallon

Moderate

Impact on Your Home

Shower

Minor dryness possible

Kitchen

Some water spots

Laundry

May need more detergent

Appliances

Minimal scale

Regional Comparison

Concord
64
North Carolina
45
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Based on 35 water samples from Cabarrus County

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Concord tap water.

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Concord

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

0.04 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Concord lead levels are well below the EPA action level.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2025-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Action Recommended

Active health-based violations detected

Consider using a certified water filter until violations are resolved. Contact your utility for updates on corrective actions.

3-Year Violation Summary

56

Total Violations

5

Health-Related

51

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

Who Provides Concord's Water?

Utility Name

CONCORD, CITY OF

EPA System ID (PWSID)

NC0113010

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

127K

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Concord tap water quality

Concord tap water has some quality concerns but remains within current EPA limits. You may want to consider using a water filter, especially for drinking water. Check the detailed report for specific contaminant levels.
Concord has moderate water with a hardness of 64 ppm (3.7 grains per gallon). undefined
Lead levels (0.04 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Concord's tap water is provided by CONCORD, CITY OF. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is NC0113010. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Concord. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce common contaminants.
Concord's water utility has had 56 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 5 were health-based and 51 were monitoring/reporting related.
Concord's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a standard practice required by the EPA to prevent waterborne illness. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Concord's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by CONCORD, CITY OF.

Nearby Cities in North Carolina

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This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology

Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)