Is Hobgood, 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 ↓
83.7/100
waterverge.com Hobgood, NC — Water Quality Report
Hobgood's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 665 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.9 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 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hobgood's water
Hobgood ranks #96 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hobgood 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, Hobgood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hobgood, NC water safe to drink?
Hobgood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 665 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hobgood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hobgood's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.7/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hobgood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hobgood's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Halifax 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.
Where does Hobgood's water come from?
Hobgood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 665 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tar River (river).
What Hobgood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hobgood'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.
Hobgood'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 Hobgood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hobgood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AIRBOSS RUBBER COMPOUNDING CO INC SCOTLAND NECK, NC27874 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHalifax 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
Halifax 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. | 4.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hobgood compares by contaminant
Explore where Hobgood ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hobgood's water comes from
Hobgood'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 665 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hobgood
Hobgood is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hobgood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOBGOOD, TOWN OF | NC0442035 | 665 | GW |
How Hobgood compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Hobgood's score of 83.7/100 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 Hobgood, NC
Wikipedia →Hobgood is a town in Halifax County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Hobgood had a population of 268. It is part of the Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hobgood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Halifax
Frequently asked questions
Is Hobgood, NC tap water safe to drink?
Hobgood's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #96 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Hobgood's water?
Lead was measured at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Hobgood'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 Hobgood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hobgood's water come from?
Hobgood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 665 residents.
What health violations has Hobgood's water system had?
Hobgood has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2006. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hobgood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hobgood 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 7 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 Hobgood's water compare to other cities?
Hobgood ranks #96 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 77% of state cities) and #6312 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hobgood's small water system affect quality?
Hobgood's system serves approximately 665 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.