North Carolina · population 1,119
Lead pipes in Highlands, NC
2,105 lines still unidentified
Most of Highlands (population 1,119) gets its water from Town of Highlands. It reported no confirmed lead service lines, but 2,105 of 2,351 lines are still listed as unknown material, so lead hasn't been ruled out.
0% of Town of Highlands's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, lower than the North Carolina average (0.4%) and lower than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown 90%
- Non-lead 10%
Latest lead test for Town of Highlands (Jan 2023–Dec 2025): 4 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Town of Highlands.
Water systems serving Highlands
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town of HighlandsMain system | 0 | 0 | 2,105 | 0% |
| Flat Mountain EstatesAlso serves parts of the city | 0 | 2 | 7 | 4.2% |
| King Mountain Club WaterAlso serves parts of the city | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2.3% |
| Cold Springs PoaAlso serves parts of the city | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0% |
| Cottages at Lake OsserogaAlso serves parts of the city | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0% |
| Highgate S/DAlso serves parts of the city | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0% |
Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.
Check your address in Highlands
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Town of Highlands's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.
Protect your drinking water
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
- Franklin10 lead + galv. lines
- Sylva1 lead + galv. lines
- Brevard400 unknown
- Waynesville17 lead + galv. lines
- Maggie Valley1 lead + galv. lines
- Clyde2 lead + galv. lines
- Andrews2 lead + galv. lines
- Canton3,266 unknown
Check another water system
Questions
Does Highlands, NC have lead pipes?
None are confirmed, but Town of Highlands still lists 2,105 service lines as unknown material.
Who supplies water to Highlands?
EPA's service area maps place most of Highlands in Town of Highlands's service area (PWSID NC0157015). Flat Mountain Estates, King Mountain Club Water, Cold Springs Poa, Cottages at Lake Osseroga, Highgate S/D also serve parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Highlands home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Town of Highlands's service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.
When will lead pipes in Highlands be replaced?
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Town of Highlands whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.