F10/100
SANFORD, CITY OF — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 48,350 people · North Carolina
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
NC0353010
Violations
31
Contaminant Test Results
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.010 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.006 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
1,4-dioxane | 4.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
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 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, 2023 – March 8, 2023Rule: 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 SANFORD, CITY OF
Is SANFORD, CITY OF water safe to drink?
SANFORD, CITY OF water receives a grade of F (10/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 31 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has SANFORD, CITY OF detected?
69 contaminants were tested in SANFORD, CITY OF's water. Notable contaminants include PFOS, PFOA, 1,4-dioxane. 2 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does SANFORD, CITY OF have any EPA violations?
Yes, SANFORD, CITY OF has 31 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include RPT, TT, MR. 10 are health-based violations.
How many people does SANFORD, CITY OF serve?
SANFORD, CITY OF serves approximately 48,350 people, North Carolina. The system provides water to 1 community: Sanford.
What type of water does SANFORD, CITY OF provide?
SANFORD, CITY OF 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 NC0353010.
How does SANFORD, CITY OF compare to other utilities in North Carolina?
SANFORD, CITY OF scores 10/100 with a grade of F (failing). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our North Carolina state page for a full comparison of water systems.