Haywood County, North Carolina: drinking water report. Haywood County – Waynesville – serves about 62,000 residents in the Great Smoky Mountains region.
Haywood County – Waynesville – serves about 62,000 residents in the Great Smoky Mountains region. Water comes from the Pigeon River and mountain streams. The Pigeon River's industrial history – a Canton paper mill discharged waste into the river for decades – has been a long-standing environmental concern, though conditions have improved significantly.
The Evergreen Packaging mill in Canton (formerly Champion International) has reduced its discharge significantly since the 1990s, and the Pigeon River's water quality has recovered substantially. UCMR5 data shows minimal PFAS detections. According to NC DEQ's 2024 data, county systems met federal standards.
Like other western NC counties, the 2024 Hurricane Helene flooding caused infrastructure damage and temporary service disruptions.
Haywood County's water quality has improved with the mill's reduced discharge. Mountain source water provides a clean baseline.
Check your water for data in your area. A carbon filter handles any residual taste concerns. Our water filter guide covers options. Pull your detailed report, and visit our North Carolina page for statewide data.