TapSafetyReport
A83/100

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

Serving 11,621 residents · North Carolina

What's In Gatesville's Tap Water?

48
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals

EPA Violation History

7

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: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: 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: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: 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

Monitoring Violation

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

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 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 30, 2023Rule: Stage 1 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 21, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – October 21, 2021Enforcement: 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

GATES COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served

11,621

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

NC0437020

Frequently Asked Questions About Gatesville Water

Is Gatesville tap water safe to drink?

Gatesville, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of A (83/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 48 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.

What contaminants are in Gatesville's water?

48 contaminants were tested in Gatesville's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.

Does Gatesville have any water quality violations?

Yes, Gatesville has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.

Do I need a water filter in Gatesville?

Gatesville 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 Gatesville's tap water come from?

Gatesville's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by GATES COUNTY WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 11,621 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

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

Gatesville's water quality score of 83/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Gatesville among the better-performing water systems in North Carolina. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Gatesville's water quality?

If you have concerns about Gatesville'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 (GATES COUNTY WATER SYSTEM) 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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