Tap Water Results

Is Monroe, NC tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Union County Water System. 5 PFAS were detected below the limits.

2 public water systems serve parts of Monroe. The largest, Union County Water System, serves 169,685 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Union County Water System

169,685 people · Surface water · EPA ID NC0190413

Buys treated water from Lancaster County Water & Sewer District, City of Monroe, Charlotte Water, Anson County Water System, Catawba River Wsp Water System.

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
One sample above limit
1.05 ppt4 pptOne sample above limit
PFOS
One sample above limit
2.25 ppt4 pptOne sample above limit
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 0 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2025, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 2

Full Union County Water System results

Across North Carolina, 66 of 285 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 5 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. North Carolina results.

Monroe homes and lead pipes

40%
of homes built before 1980 (North Carolina 34%, US 50%)
10%
built before 1950 (North Carolina 8%)
38%
of households rent (North Carolina 33%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Monroe city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Monroe

  • City of Monroe
    43,081 people · Surface water · North Carolina · lists this city
    Coliform bacteria violation

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Mint Hill 13 mi
Charlotte Water
Charlotte WaterNone above limits0 ppb
Charlotte 21 mi
Charlotte Water
Charlotte WaterNone above limits0 ppb
Concord 27 mi
City of Concord
City of ConcordAbove limit0 ppb
Huntersville 33 mi
Charlotte Water
Charlotte WaterNone above limits0 ppb
Kannapolis 33 mi
City of Kannapolis
City of KannapolisNone above limits0 ppb
Cornelius 37 mi
Charlotte Water
Charlotte WaterNone above limits0 ppb
Monroe ZIP codes (1)
  • 28110

Questions

Is Monroe tap water safe to drink?

Union County Water System had 2 health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Monroe, NC?

2 public water systems serve parts of Monroe. The largest is Union County Water System (169,685 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Monroe tap water have PFAS?

Union County Water System had 5 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Monroe homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 40% of Monroe homes as built before 1980 (North Carolina: 34%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Union County Water System's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.