Is Candor, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Candor, NC — Water Quality Report
Candor's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 967 residents using purchased surface 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 91 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Candor's water
Candor ranks #344 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Candor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Candor, NC water safe to drink?
Candor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 967 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Candor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Candor's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Candor's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Candor's water system has 91 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Little River.
Where does Candor's water come from?
Candor's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 967 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little River (river).
What Candor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Candor'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.
Candor'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 Candor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Candor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREDE II LLC BISCOE, NC27209 | Copper | 2 | 4.9 mi |
SAPUTO CHEESE USA INC BISCOE, NC27209 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
FLAKEBOARD AMERICA LLC BISCOE, NC27209 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
MOUNTAIRE FARMS INC- CANDOR FEED MILL CANDOR, NC27229 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
PERDUE FOODS LLC - CANDOR FEEDMILL/EAGLE SPRINGS HATCHERY CANDOR, NC27229 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMontgomery 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
Montgomery County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Candor compares by contaminant
Explore where Candor ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Candor's water comes from
Candor's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 967 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Candor
Candor is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Candor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANDOR, TOWN OF | NC0362030 | 875 | SWP |
| ECKERD CANDOR | NC0362562 | 92 | GW |
How Candor compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Candor's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Candor, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Candor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is Candor, NC tap water safe to drink?
Candor's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #344 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Candor's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 91 violations are on record.
How is Candor'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 Candor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Candor's water come from?
Candor's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 967 residents.
What health violations has Candor's water system had?
Candor has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
How does Candor's water compare to other cities?
Candor ranks #344 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 18% of state cities) and #14064 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.