Is Garysburg, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67.9/100
waterverge.com Garysburg, NC — Water Quality Report
Garysburg's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,228 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 58 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Garysburg's water
Garysburg ranks #248 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average 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, Garysburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Garysburg, NC water safe to drink?
Garysburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,228 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Garysburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Garysburg's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.9/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Lead and Copper Rule, TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Garysburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Garysburg's water system has 58 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Northampton 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.
Where does Garysburg's water come from?
Garysburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,228 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Garysburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Garysburg'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.
Garysburg'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 Garysburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Garysburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 48,426 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WESTROCK KRAFT PAPER LLC ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC27870 | Methanol | 48,416 | 5.2 mi |
PATCH RUBBER CO WELDON, NC27890 | Zinc compounds | 10 | 3.8 mi |
HOOVER TREATED WOOD PRODUCTS INC HALIFAX, NC27839 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
CULPEPER OF ROANOKE RAPIDS LLC ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC27870 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
ROSEMARY POWER STATION ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC27870 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNorthampton 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
Northampton 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Garysburg's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Garysburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Garysburg ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Garysburg's water comes from
Garysburg'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 2,228 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Garysburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTHAMPTON--PROGRESSIVE | NC0466045 | 2,228 | SWP |
How Garysburg compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Garysburg's score of 67.9/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Garysburg, NC
Wikipedia →Jackson is a town in Northampton County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Jackson had a population of 430. It is the county seat of Northampton County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Garysburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Northampton
Frequently asked questions
Is Garysburg, NC tap water safe to drink?
Garysburg's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #248 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Garysburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 58 violations are on record.
How is Garysburg'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 Garysburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Garysburg's water come from?
Garysburg's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,228 residents.
What health violations has Garysburg's water system had?
Garysburg has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Garysburg's water compare to other cities?
Garysburg ranks #248 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 41% of state cities) and #11161 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Garysburg's small water system affect quality?
Garysburg's system serves approximately 2,228 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 58 violations on record.