F16/100
Albemarle Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 34,944 residents · North Carolina
What's In Albemarle's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: April 1, 2022 – June 14, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
ALBEMARLE, CITY OF
Population Served
18,396
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0184010
STANLY CO-WEST STANLY DIST
Population Served
9,939
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0184035
STANLY CO-PALESTINE-BADIN DIST
Population Served
1,964
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0184141
STANLY CO-AQUADALE DIST
Population Served
3,632
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0184143
STANLY CO-PINEY POINT DIST
Population Served
1,013
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0184144
Frequently Asked Questions About Albemarle Water
Is Albemarle tap water safe to drink?
Albemarle, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of F (16/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 211 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Albemarle's water?
69 contaminants were tested in Albemarle's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Albemarle have any water quality violations?
Yes, Albemarle has 211 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 86 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Albemarle?
Albemarle water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Albemarle's tap water come from?
Albemarle's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by ALBEMARLE, CITY OF and 4 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 34,944 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Albemarle's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Albemarle's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Albemarle's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Albemarle's water quality score of 16/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Albemarle's water quality?
If you have concerns about Albemarle's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (ALBEMARLE, CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.