D38/100
Jacksonville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 214,036 residents · North Carolina
What's In Jacksonville's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 374.98 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: October 28, 2024 – December 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024 – November 7, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – November 7, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 11, 2023 – January 3, 2024Rule: Total Coliform 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: July 11, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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
ROBERSONVILLE, TOWN OF
Population Served
1,445
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0459015
JACKSONVILLE CITY OF
Population Served
49,093
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0467010
ONSLOW WTR AND SEWER AUTHORITY
Population Served
156,755
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0467035
LAURADALE S/D
Population Served
2,527
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0467136
RAINTREE/SUMMERSILL ESTATES #2
Population Served
1,539
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
NC0467222
OLD SETTLERS WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
2,677
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
NC7067008
Frequently Asked Questions About Jacksonville Water
Is Jacksonville tap water safe to drink?
Jacksonville, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of D (38/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 457 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Jacksonville's water?
Of the 74 contaminants tested in Jacksonville's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 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 Jacksonville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Jacksonville has 457 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, RPT, TT. 15 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Jacksonville?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Jacksonville is recommended. 1 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 Jacksonville's tap water come from?
Jacksonville's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by ROBERSONVILLE, TOWN OF and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 214,036 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Jacksonville'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. Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Jacksonville's water quality score of 38/100 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 Jacksonville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Jacksonville'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 (ROBERSONVILLE, 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.