Testing Your Home Water in Lake Norman: Why It Matters & What to Do Next
Lake Norman is a place we all treasure—for boating, fishing, swimming, and family time on the water. But recent headlines have put water safety in the spotlight again. In just the past week, another raw sewage spill entered the lake, a toxic algae bloom was reported in several coves, and concerns remain about coal ash contamination that has affected our region for years.
While the lake itself is not the same source of drinking water for every home, these incidents highlight a bigger question for Lake Norman residents: how safe is the water coming out of your tap?
Why Testing Your Home Water Matters in Lake Norman
Even if your water comes from municipal sources like Charlotte Water, Aqua NC, or a private well it can still contain:
- Disinfectants & byproducts (chlorine, chloramine, trihalomethanes)
- PFAS and coal ash-related contaminants (arsenic, mercury, heavy metals)
- Microbial risks after sewage spills or algae-related toxins
- Lead, copper, or other metals leaching from your home’s plumbing
- Hard water minerals that affect appliances and pipes
If you’re on a private well near Lake Norman, the risks can be even higher. Wells can be impacted by surface runoff from storms, septic leaks, or seepage from industrial and utility sites.
Water that meets EPA standards is not necessarily free of contaminants. The EPA sets limits based on what’s considered legally allowable, not always what’s considered safe for long-term health.
Signs You Should Test Your Water
You don’t have to wait for a news story to know your home might have water quality issues. Watch out for:
- Unusual taste (metallic, earthy, or chemical)
- Cloudy or discolored water
- Blue-green stains (copper corrosion from acidic water)
- White buildup on faucets or fixtures
- Frequent appliance failures (dishwashers, water heaters, ice makers)
- Skin irritation or dryness after bathing
But remember—many dangerous contaminants, like arsenic or PFAS, are invisible and tasteless. Testing is the only way to know for sure.
What to Do Next
- Schedule a Professional Water Test
Local certified labs or water treatment companies can perform a full analysis of your home’s water. Look for tests that cover: pH, hardness, chlorine/chloramine, heavy metals, PFAS, and microbial contaminants. - Review the Results with an Expert
Understanding lab results can be confusing. A water treatment professional can help translate what the numbers mean for your health and home. - Choose the Right Solution
- Whole-House Filtration: Removes sediment, chlorine, and many chemical contaminants for every tap in your home.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: Ideal for drinking water, removing PFAS, arsenic, and other microscopic contaminants.
- Water Softeners: Protect plumbing and appliances from hard water scale.
- Specialty Filters: Designed for specific contaminants like iron, manganese, or sulfur.
- Professional Installation
Buying from a dedicated water treatment professional that offers professional installation by licensed plumbers is critical to a properly performing filtration system
Final Thoughts
The recent sewage spill, algae bloom, and coal ash concerns are reminders that even in beautiful Lake Norman, water safety is never guaranteed. Testing your home’s water is the only way to know what you’re really drinking—and it’s the first step toward protecting your family’s health and your home’s plumbing.
At Artisanal Water Solutions, we provide professional water testing and tailored filtration solutions for Lake Norman homeowners. If you’re worried about what’s in your water this week, now is the time to act.
If you’re interested in clean water in your home – schedule a free, no-obligation in-home water analysis with an Artisanal Water local expert.
Call (704) 315-6344 or fill out our contact form.
