North Carolina · 6 community water systems
Lead pipes in McDowell County, NC
6 community water systems serving McDowell County reported 29 lead and 102 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 3,325 of unknown material. The most are in City of Marion.
2.8% of these systems' lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, higher than the North Carolina average (0.4%) and about the same as the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0.6%
- Galvanized (replace) 2.2%
- Unknown 71%
- Non-lead 26%
Water systems serving McDowell County
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of MarionMarion | 29 | 102 | 3,189 | 2.9% |
| Bear Den AcresSpruce Pine | 0 | 0 | 68 | 0% |
| Woodlawn Heights Water SystemMarion | 0 | 0 | 42 | 0% |
| Swiss Village WTR SystemLittle Switzerland | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0% |
| Waterglyn S/DNebo | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| Town of Old FortOld Fort | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
Systems that also serve other counties are counted in full. Your water bill names your utility.
What to do if your line is lead or unknown
- Check the pipe where water enters your home.
- Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking and cooking.
- Test your water, often free through the utility.
- Ask your utility about free or discounted replacement; most lines must be replaced by December 31, 2037.
Check another water system
Questions
Does McDowell County have lead pipes?
Yes. Water systems serving McDowell County reported 29 lead and 102 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 3,325 of unknown material.
Which McDowell County water systems have the most lead lines?
City of Marion (131).
How do I check my home in McDowell County?
Find the water system named on your water bill in the table above, open its page and use its address-level inventory. You can also scratch-test the pipe where it enters your home.