F13/100
Tarboro Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 26,879 residents · North Carolina
What's In Tarboro's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
8
Violations (last 5yr)
4
Unresolved
8
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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
TARBORO, TOWN OF
Population Served
10,844
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0433010
PRINCEVILLE, TOWN OF
Population Served
1,550
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0433045
EDGECOMBE WATER & SEWER DISTRICT
Population Served
14,485
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0433050
Frequently Asked Questions About Tarboro Water
Is Tarboro tap water safe to drink?
Tarboro, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of F (13/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 95 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Tarboro's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Tarboro's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, chlorate. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Tarboro have any water quality violations?
Yes, Tarboro has 95 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, RPT, TT. 49 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Tarboro?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Tarboro 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 Tarboro's tap water come from?
Tarboro's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by TARBORO, TOWN OF and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 26,879 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Tarboro'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. Tarboro'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 Tarboro's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Tarboro's water quality score of 13/100 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 Tarboro's water quality?
If you have concerns about Tarboro'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 (TARBORO, 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.