Is Aulander, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.3/100
waterverge.com Aulander, NC — Water Quality Report
Aulander's drinking water received a grade of B (78.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,149 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 26 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Aulander's water
Aulander ranks #172 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Aulander relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Aulander may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Aulander, NC water safe to drink?
Aulander's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,149 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Aulander
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Aulander's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4568). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Aulander's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Aulander's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bertie County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Potecasi Creek, Ahoskie Creek.
Where does Aulander's water come from?
Aulander's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,149 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Potecasi Creek (river), Ahoskie Creek (river).
What Aulander residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Aulander's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Aulander's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Aulander
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Aulander, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,109,368 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PERDUE FOODS LLC - LEWISTON PROCESSING PLANT LEWISTON WOODVILLE, NC27849 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,109,368 | 8.0 mi |
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. LEWISTON WOODVILLE, NC27849 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBertie County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Bertie County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Aulander compares by contaminant
Explore where Aulander ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Aulander's water comes from
Aulander's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,149 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Aulander
Aulander is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Aulander
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AULANDER, TOWN OF | NC0408015 | 1,438 | GW |
| MILLENNIUM WATER ASSOCIATION | NC0446025 | 711 | GW |
How Aulander compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Aulander's score of 78.3/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Aulander, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Aulander's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bertie
Frequently asked questions
Is Aulander, NC tap water safe to drink?
Aulander's water quality earned a grade of B (78.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #172 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Aulander's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Aulander's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Aulander?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Aulander's water come from?
Aulander's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,149 residents.
What health violations has Aulander's water system had?
Aulander has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Aulander's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Aulander uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 26 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Aulander's water compare to other cities?
Aulander ranks #172 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 59% of state cities) and #8720 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.