Is Four Oaks, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.2/100
waterverge.com Four Oaks, NC — Water Quality Report
Four Oaks's drinking water received a grade of B (77.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,854 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 39 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Four Oaks's water
Four Oaks ranks #187 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, Four Oaks 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 Four Oaks, NC water safe to drink?
Four Oaks's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,854 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Four Oaks
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Four Oaks's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Four Oaks's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Four Oaks's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnston 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 Neuse River, Swift Creek.
Where does Four Oaks's water come from?
Four Oaks's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,854 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Neuse River (river), Swift Creek (river).
What Four Oaks residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Four Oaks'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.
Four Oaks'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 Four Oaks
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Four Oaks, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MAYCRAFT BOATS LLC FOUR OAKS, NC27524 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
LFC2 SELMA, NC27576 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
ZEHRCO-GIANCOLA COMPOSITES INC. SMITHFIELD, NC27577 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
LAMPE & MALPHRUS LUMBER CO SMITHFIELD, NC27577 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
BLANCHARD TERMINAL CO - SELMA BUFFALO NC TERMINAL SELMA, NC27576 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtJohnston 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
Johnston 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Four Oaks compares by contaminant
Explore where Four Oaks ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Four Oaks's water comes from
Four Oaks'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 2,854 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Four Oaks
Four Oaks 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 Four Oaks
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOUR OAKS, TOWN OF | NC0351035 | 2,854 | SWP |
How Four Oaks compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Four Oaks's score of 77.2/100 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 Four Oaks, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Four Oaks's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnston
Frequently asked questions
Is Four Oaks, NC tap water safe to drink?
Four Oaks's water quality earned a grade of B (77.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #187 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Four Oaks's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is Four Oaks'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 Four Oaks?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Four Oaks's water come from?
Four Oaks's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,854 residents.
What health violations has Four Oaks's water system had?
Four Oaks has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Four Oaks's water compare to other cities?
Four Oaks ranks #187 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 55% of state cities) and #9076 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Four Oaks's small water system affect quality?
Four Oaks's system serves approximately 2,854 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 39 violations on record.