TapSafetyReport
D33/100

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

Serving 35,850 residents · North Carolina

What's In Burgaw's Tap Water?

69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
1,4-dioxane
1.09 µg/L—Above Goal
Lead (90th percentile)
0.004 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

17

Violations (last 5yr)

2

Unresolved

12

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: July 28, 2025 – August 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: April 25, 2024 – May 1, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

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

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

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

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

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

When: January 1, 2024 – October 9, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

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

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

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

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

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

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Rule: 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: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: 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: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 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

BURGAW, TOWN OF
Population Served

4,250

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

NC0471010

PENDER COUNTY UTILITIES
Population Served

31,600

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

NC7071011

Frequently Asked Questions About Burgaw Water

Is Burgaw tap water safe to drink?

Burgaw, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of D (33/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 63 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Burgaw's water?

Of the 69 contaminants tested in Burgaw's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), 1,4-dioxane. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Burgaw have any water quality violations?

Yes, Burgaw has 63 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MCL, TT. 19 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Burgaw?

Burgaw 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Burgaw's tap water come from?

Burgaw's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by BURGAW, TOWN OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 35,850 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

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

Burgaw's water quality score of 33/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Burgaw's water quality?

If you have concerns about Burgaw'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 (BURGAW, TOWN 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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