C44/100
MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 9,420 people · North Carolina
Water Source
Groundwater
County
—
System ID
NC0416015
Violations
40
Contaminant Test Results
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.63 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
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 21, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – November 21, 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 9, 2024Rule: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF
Is MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF water safe to drink?
MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF water receives a grade of C (44/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 40 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF detected?
52 contaminants were tested in MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF's water. Notable contaminants include Copper (90th percentile). 1 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF have any EPA violations?
Yes, MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF has 40 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, RPT, TT. 2 are health-based violations.
How many people does MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF serve?
MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF serves approximately 9,420 people, North Carolina. The system provides water to 1 community: Morehead City.
What type of water does MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF provide?
MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF sources its water from groundwater. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration. The utility's system ID is NC0416015.
How does MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF compare to other utilities in North Carolina?
MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF scores 44/100 with a grade of C (fair). This score indicates room for improvement compared to other utilities. Visit our North Carolina state page for a full comparison of water systems.