TapSafetyReport
F4/100

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

Serving 13,740 residents · North Carolina

What's In Elon's Tap Water?

54
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
PFOS
0.004 µg/L0.004 µg/LOver Limit

EPA Violation History

11

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

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 to issue ongoing public notification

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

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

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: April 7, 2024 – May 7, 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: 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: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 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: September 1, 2022 – November 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: September 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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 17, 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

ELON, TOWN OF
Population Served

11,350

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

NC0201025

OSSIPEE TOWN OF
Population Served

2,390

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

NC0201123

Frequently Asked Questions About Elon Water

Is Elon tap water safe to drink?

Elon, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of F (4/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 199 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Elon's water?

Of the 55 contaminants tested in Elon's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), PFOS. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Elon have any water quality violations?

Yes, Elon has 199 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Elon?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Elon is recommended. 2 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 Elon's tap water come from?

Elon's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by ELON, TOWN OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 13,740 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

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

Elon's water quality score of 4/100 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 Elon's water quality?

If you have concerns about Elon'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 (ELON, 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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