Cleveland County, North Carolina: drinking water report. Cleveland County – Shelby – serves about 100,000 residents in the western Piedmont.
Cleveland County – Shelby – serves about 100,000 residents in the western Piedmont. Water comes from the First Broad River and local reservoirs. The county's textile and manufacturing history has declined, but the economic transition continues.
Cleveland County's surface water sources provide adequate supply. UCMR5 data shows minimal PFAS detections. According to NC DEQ's 2024 data, county systems met federal standards. Former textile mill sites have undergone some environmental assessment, but contamination has primarily been in soils rather than drinking water.
Cleveland County's water quality meets standards. Local source water is generally clean.
Check your water for data. Our water filter guide covers options. Pull your detailed report, and visit our North Carolina page for statewide data.