Is Dortches, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.6/100
waterverge.com Dortches, NC — Water Quality Report
Dortches's drinking water received a grade of B (77.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,694 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dortches's water
Dortches ranks #184 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Dortches 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 Dortches, NC water safe to drink?
Dortches's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,694 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Dortches
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dortches's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dortches's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dortches's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nash County has experienced 10 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 Tar River, Tar River Below Dam.
Where does Dortches's water come from?
Dortches's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,694 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tar River (river), Tar River Below Dam (river).
What Dortches residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dortches'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.
Dortches'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 Dortches
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dortches, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 13 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KABA ILCO CORP ROCKY MOUNT, NC27801 | Zinc compounds | 13 | 4.2 mi |
SEPRO DISTRIBUTION CENTER ROCKY MOUNT, NC27801 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
DRAKA ELEVATOR PRODUCT INC. ROCKY MOUNT, NC27804 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
NEW STANDARD CORP ROCKY MOUNT, NC27803 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
HUBBELL LENOIR CITY ROCKY MOUNT ROCKY MOUNT, NC27804 | — | — | 2.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNash 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
Nash County has experienced 10 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 Dortches compares by contaminant
Explore where Dortches ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dortches's water comes from
Dortches'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,694 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dortches
Dortches is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Dortches
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTHERN NASH WATER DISTRICT | NC4064035 | 1,694 | SWP |
How Dortches compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Dortches's score of 77.6/100 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 Dortches, NC
Wikipedia →Nashville is a town in and the county seat of Nash County, North Carolina, United States. The town was founded in 1780 and features Victorian and Queen Anne–style homes. It is part of the Rocky Mount metropolitan area. The population of Nashville was 5,632 in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dortches's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nash
Frequently asked questions
Is Dortches, NC tap water safe to drink?
Dortches's water quality earned a grade of B (77.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #184 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Dortches's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Dortches'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 Dortches?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dortches's water come from?
Dortches's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,694 residents.
How does Dortches's water compare to other cities?
Dortches ranks #184 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 56% of state cities) and #8940 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dortches's small water system affect quality?
Dortches's system serves approximately 1,694 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 7 violations on record.