F0/100
Surf City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,730 residents · North Carolina
What's In Surf City's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.42 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
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, 2025 – August 18, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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 – October 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – October 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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, 2024 – February 21, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: 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, 2022 – November 22, 2022Rule: Ground Water 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
SURF CITY, TOWN OF
Population Served
9,730
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0471015
Frequently Asked Questions About Surf City Water
Is Surf City tap water safe to drink?
Surf City, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 142 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Surf City's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Surf City's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Surf City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Surf City has 142 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, RPT, TT. 22 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Surf City?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Surf City 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 Surf City's tap water come from?
Surf City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SURF CITY, TOWN OF. The system serves approximately 9,730 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Surf City'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. Surf City'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 Surf City's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Surf City's water quality score of 0/100 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 Surf City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Surf City'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 (SURF CITY, 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.