Is Aurora, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Aurora, NC — Water Quality Report
Aurora's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 805 residents using purchased ground water.
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 56 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Aurora's water
Aurora ranks #141 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Aurora purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Aurora may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Aurora, NC water safe to drink?
Aurora's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 805 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Aurora
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Aurora's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Aurora's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Aurora's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Beaufort 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.
Where does Aurora's water come from?
Aurora's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 805 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Aurora residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Aurora'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.
Aurora'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 Aurora
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Aurora, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PCS PHOSPHATE CO INC AURORA, NC27806 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBeaufort County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Beaufort 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 Aurora compares by contaminant
Explore where Aurora ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Aurora's water comes from
Aurora purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Aurora's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 805 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Aurora
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AURORA WATER SYSTEM | NC0407020 | 805 | GWP |
How Aurora compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Aurora's score of 80.6/100 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 Aurora, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Aurora's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Beaufort
Frequently asked questions
Is Aurora, NC tap water safe to drink?
Aurora's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #141 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Aurora's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.
How is Aurora'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 Aurora?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Aurora's water come from?
Aurora's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 805 residents.
What health violations has Aurora's water system had?
Aurora has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Aurora's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Aurora 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 56 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 Aurora's water compare to other cities?
Aurora ranks #141 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 66% of state cities) and #7800 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Aurora's small water system affect quality?
Aurora's system serves approximately 805 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 56 violations on record.