Is Chadbourn, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.3/100
waterverge.com Chadbourn, NC — Water Quality Report
Chadbourn's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,370 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chadbourn's water
Chadbourn ranks #147 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Chadbourn 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, Chadbourn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chadbourn, NC water safe to drink?
Chadbourn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,370 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chadbourn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chadbourn's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Nitrate.
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chadbourn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chadbourn's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbus 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 Lumber River.
Where does Chadbourn's water come from?
Chadbourn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,370 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lumber River (river).
What Chadbourn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chadbourn'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Chadbourn'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 Chadbourn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chadbourn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CAMPBELL OIL & GAS CO. WHITEVILLE, NC28472 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
MAXPRO MANUFACTURING WHITEVILLE, NC28472 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtColumbus 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
Columbus 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 5.0 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Chadbourn compares by contaminant
Explore where Chadbourn ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chadbourn's water comes from
Chadbourn'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 2,370 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Chadbourn
Chadbourn is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chadbourn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHADBOURN, TOWN OF | NC0424020 | 2,370 | GW |
How Chadbourn compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Chadbourn's score of 80.3/100 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 Chadbourn, NC
Wikipedia →Chadbourn is a town in Columbus County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,574 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chadbourn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbus
Frequently asked questions
Is Chadbourn, NC tap water safe to drink?
Chadbourn's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #147 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Chadbourn's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Chadbourn'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 Chadbourn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chadbourn's water come from?
Chadbourn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,370 residents.
What health violations has Chadbourn's water system had?
Chadbourn has 1 health-based violation 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chadbourn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chadbourn 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 Chadbourn's water compare to other cities?
Chadbourn ranks #147 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 65% of state cities) and #7921 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chadbourn's small water system affect quality?
Chadbourn's system serves approximately 2,370 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.