B78/100
Holden Beach Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,299 residents · North Carolina
What's In Holden Beach's Tap Water?
34
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.011 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.006 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2018.
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
HOLDEN BEACH, TOWN OF
Population Served
6,299
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0410060
Frequently Asked Questions About Holden Beach Water
Is Holden Beach tap water safe to drink?
Holden Beach, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of B (78/100), which is considered good. Out of 34 contaminants tested, 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Holden Beach's water?
Of the 34 contaminants tested in Holden Beach's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA. 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 Holden Beach have any water quality violations?
Yes, Holden Beach has 6 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2018. Violation types include MR, Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Holden Beach?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Holden Beach 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 Holden Beach's tap water come from?
Holden Beach's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by HOLDEN BEACH, TOWN OF. The system serves approximately 6,299 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Holden Beach'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. Holden Beach'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 Holden Beach's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Holden Beach's water quality score of 78/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Holden Beach's water quality?
If you have concerns about Holden Beach'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 (HOLDEN BEACH, 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.