Is Fair Bluff, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84/100
waterverge.com Fair Bluff, NC — Water Quality Report
Fair Bluff's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 51 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fair Bluff's water
Fair Bluff ranks #93 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Fair Bluff 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, Fair Bluff may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fair Bluff, NC water safe to drink?
Fair Bluff's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fair Bluff
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fair Bluff's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fair Bluff's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fair Bluff's water system has 51 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Fair Bluff's water come from?
Fair Bluff's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fair Bluff residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fair Bluff'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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.
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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fair Bluff compares by contaminant
Explore where Fair Bluff ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fair Bluff's water comes from
Fair Bluff'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 800 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fair Bluff
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIR BLUFF, TOWN OF | NC0424030 | 800 | GW |
How Fair Bluff compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Fair Bluff's score of 84/100 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 Fair Bluff, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fair Bluff's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbus
Frequently asked questions
Is Fair Bluff, NC tap water safe to drink?
Fair Bluff's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #93 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Fair Bluff's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.
How is Fair Bluff'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 Fair Bluff?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fair Bluff's water come from?
Fair Bluff's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
What health violations has Fair Bluff's water system had?
Fair Bluff has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fair Bluff's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fair Bluff 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 51 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 Fair Bluff's water compare to other cities?
Fair Bluff ranks #93 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 78% of state cities) and #6161 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fair Bluff's small water system affect quality?
Fair Bluff's system serves approximately 800 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 51 violations on record.