A92/100
ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 86,300 people · North Carolina
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
NC0368010
Violations
2
Contaminant Test Results
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 630.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2023Rule: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY
Is ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY water safe to drink?
ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY water receives a grade of A (92/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed non-enforceable health goals. The water meets federal safety standards.
What contaminants has ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY detected?
69 contaminants were tested in ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY's water. Notable contaminants include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY have any EPA violations?
Yes, ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY has 2 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MR.
How many people does ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY serve?
ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY serves approximately 86,300 people, North Carolina. The system provides water to 1 community: Carrboro.
What type of water does ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY provide?
ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is NC0368010.
How does ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY compare to other utilities in North Carolina?
ORANGE WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY scores 92/100 with a grade of A (excellent). This places it among the higher-performing utilities in the state. Visit our North Carolina state page for a full comparison of water systems.