TapSafetyReport
F0/100

Bessemer City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 5,690 residents · North Carolina

What's In Bessemer City's Tap Water?

31
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOA
0.005 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit

EPA Violation History

21

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

7

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Reporting violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 17, 2024 – October 23, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment technique violation

When: October 17, 2024 – October 23, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023 – November 7, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 11, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2023 – June 20, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: March 10, 2023 – June 13, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: 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

BESSEMER CITY, CITY OF
Population Served

5,690

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

NC0136025

Frequently Asked Questions About Bessemer City Water

Is Bessemer City tap water safe to drink?

Bessemer City, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 62 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Bessemer City's water?

Of the 31 contaminants tested in Bessemer City's water supply, the most notable include PFOA. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Bessemer City have any water quality violations?

Yes, Bessemer City has 62 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include RPT, TT, MR. 17 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Bessemer City?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Bessemer City is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Bessemer City's tap water come from?

Bessemer City's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BESSEMER CITY, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 5,690 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Bessemer City'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. Bessemer City'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 Bessemer City's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?

Bessemer City's water quality score of 0/100 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 Bessemer City's water quality?

If you have concerns about Bessemer City'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 (BESSEMER CITY, 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.

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