Is Columbia, 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 ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Columbia, NC — Water Quality Report
Columbia's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,068 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 142 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Columbia's water
Columbia ranks #161 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Columbia 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Columbia, NC water safe to drink?
Columbia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,068 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Columbia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Columbia's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Columbia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Columbia's water system has 142 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tyrrell 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 Columbia's water come from?
Columbia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,068 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Columbia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Columbia'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.
Columbia'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtTyrrell 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
Tyrrell 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 Columbia compares by contaminant
Explore where Columbia ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Columbia's water comes from
Columbia'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 4,068 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Columbia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TYRRELL COUNTY WATER | NC0489015 | 3,177 | GW |
| COLUMBIA WATER SYSTEM | NC0489010 | 891 | GW |
How Columbia compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Columbia's score of 79.1/100 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 Columbia, NC
Wikipedia →Columbia is the capital city of the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is the second-most populous city in the state, with a population of 136,632 at the 2020 census. The Columbia metropolitan area has an estimated 870,000 residents. Columbia serves as the county seat of Richland County, and portions of the city extend into neighboring Lexington County and Kershaw County. The name "Columbia", a poetic term referring to the U.S., derives from the name of Christopher Columbus, who explored the Caribbean on behalf of the Spanish Empire. The name of the city is often abbreviated as "Cola", leading to its nickname "Soda City".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Columbia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tyrrell
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia, NC tap water safe to drink?
Columbia's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #161 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Columbia's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 142 violations are on record.
How is Columbia'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 Columbia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Columbia's water come from?
Columbia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,068 residents.
What health violations has Columbia's water system had?
Columbia has 9 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 Columbia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Columbia 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 142 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 Columbia's water compare to other cities?
Columbia ranks #161 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 61% of state cities) and #8373 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.