C45/100
Plymouth Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,936 residents · North Carolina
What's In Plymouth's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.007 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
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 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – November 18, 2024Rule: 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
PLYMOUTH WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
3,243
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0494010
WASHINGTON COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
6,693
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0494025
Frequently Asked Questions About Plymouth Water
Is Plymouth tap water safe to drink?
Plymouth, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (45/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 58 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Plymouth's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Plymouth's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Plymouth have any water quality violations?
Yes, Plymouth has 58 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include RPT, TT, MR. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Plymouth?
Plymouth 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Plymouth's tap water come from?
Plymouth's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by PLYMOUTH WATER SYSTEM and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 9,936 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Plymouth'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. Plymouth'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 Plymouth's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Plymouth's water quality score of 45/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Plymouth's water quality?
If you have concerns about Plymouth'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 (PLYMOUTH 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.