D34/100
Carthage Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 45,336 residents · North Carolina
What's In Carthage's Tap Water?
70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.79 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 360.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
1,4-dioxane | 12.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
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, 2024 – June 30, 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: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 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: September 11, 2023 – October 5, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring / Reporting Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2022 – March 18, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
CARTHAGE, TOWN OF
Population Served
4,255
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0363025
MOORE CO PUBLIC UTIL-VASS
Population Served
1,862
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0363045
MOORE CO PUBLIC UTIL-PINEHURST
Population Served
30,377
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0363108
EAST MOORE WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
8,842
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC5063011
Frequently Asked Questions About Carthage Water
Is Carthage tap water safe to drink?
Carthage, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of D (34/100), which is considered poor. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 322 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Carthage's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Carthage's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 6 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Carthage have any water quality violations?
Yes, Carthage has 322 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, RPT. 73 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Carthage?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Carthage is recommended. 3 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 Carthage's tap water come from?
Carthage's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CARTHAGE, TOWN OF and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 45,336 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Carthage'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. Carthage'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 Carthage's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Carthage's water quality score of 34/100 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 Carthage's water quality?
If you have concerns about Carthage'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 (CARTHAGE, 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.