Is Cape Carteret, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Cape Carteret, NC — Water Quality Report
Cape Carteret's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,600 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 19 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cape Carteret's water
Cape Carteret ranks #31 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Cape Carteret 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, Cape Carteret may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cape Carteret, NC water safe to drink?
Cape Carteret's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cape Carteret
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cape Carteret's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4568). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cape Carteret's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cape Carteret's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carteret 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 Cape Carteret's water come from?
Cape Carteret's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,600 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cape Carteret residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cape Carteret'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.
Cape Carteret'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 Cape Carteret
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cape Carteret, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
S&W HUBERT PLANT HUBERT, NC28539 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCarteret 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
Carteret 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 Cape Carteret compares by contaminant
Explore where Cape Carteret ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cape Carteret's water comes from
Cape Carteret'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,600 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cape Carteret
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOOSE CREEK RESORT | NC0416130 | 1,600 | GW |
How Cape Carteret compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Cape Carteret's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Cape Carteret, NC
Wikipedia →Emerald Isle is a town in Carteret County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Crystal Coast and is located entirely on Bogue Banks. The population was 3,847 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cape Carteret's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carteret
Frequently asked questions
Is Cape Carteret, NC tap water safe to drink?
Cape Carteret's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #31 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Cape Carteret's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Cape Carteret'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 Cape Carteret?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cape Carteret's water come from?
Cape Carteret's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,600 residents.
What health violations has Cape Carteret's water system had?
Cape Carteret has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cape Carteret's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cape Carteret 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 19 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 Cape Carteret's water compare to other cities?
Cape Carteret ranks #31 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 93% of state cities) and #3172 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cape Carteret's small water system affect quality?
Cape Carteret's system serves approximately 1,600 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 19 violations on record.