Is Elm City, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Elm City, NC — Water Quality Report
Elm City's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,450 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 107 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
Latest water news in Elm City
Recent reporting on Elm City, NC drinking water — boil-water advisories, violations, and infrastructure events.
What to know about Elm City's water
Elm City ranks #343 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, Elm City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 27 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elm City, NC water safe to drink?
Elm City'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 1 water system serves approximately 1,450 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Elm City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elm City's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: 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 Elm City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elm City's water system has 107 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 27 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wilson 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 Below Dam, Tar River, Contentnea Creek Nr Black Creek.
Where does Elm City's water come from?
Elm City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,450 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 Below Dam (river), Tar River (river), Contentnea Creek Nr Black Creek (river).
What Elm City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elm City'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.
Elm City'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 Elm City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Elm City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 62 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS LLC WILSON, NC27893 | Zinc compounds | 62 | 2.9 mi |
NEW STANDARD CORP ROCKY MOUNT, NC27803 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
ALLIANCE ONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS LLC WILSON, NC27893 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
ARDAGH GLASS INC WILSON, NC27893 | — | — | 3.4 mi |
LINAMAR FORGING CAROLINA WILSON, NC27893 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWilson 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
Wilson 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 Elm City compares by contaminant
Explore where Elm City ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elm City's water comes from
Elm City'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 1,450 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elm City
Elm City is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Elm City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELM CITY, TOWN OF | NC0498020 | 1,450 | SWP |
How Elm City compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Elm City'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 Elm City, NC
Wikipedia →Elm City is a town in Nash and Wilson County, United States. As of the 2020 census, Elm City had a population of 1,218. It is a suburb of Wilson, North Carolina.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elm City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wilson
Frequently asked questions
Is Elm City, NC tap water safe to drink?
Elm City's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #343 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Elm City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 107 violations are on record.
How is Elm City'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 Elm City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elm City's water come from?
Elm City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,450 residents.
What health violations has Elm City's water system had?
Elm City has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
How does Elm City's water compare to other cities?
Elm City ranks #343 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 18% of state cities) and #14043 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.
Does Elm City's small water system affect quality?
Elm City's system serves approximately 1,450 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 107 violations on record.