Is Kittrell, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.9/100
waterverge.com Kittrell, NC — Water Quality Report
Kittrell's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,397 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 88 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kittrell's water
Kittrell ranks #230 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, Kittrell 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 Kittrell, NC water safe to drink?
Kittrell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,397 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kittrell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kittrell's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.9/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Kittrell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kittrell's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 19 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wake County has experienced 7 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 Lake Crabtree, Crabtree, Richland Lake, Lake Lynn, Crabtree Creek.
Where does Kittrell's water come from?
Kittrell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,397 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Crabtree (lake), Crabtree (river), Richland Lake (lake), Lake Lynn (lake), Crabtree Creek (river).
What Kittrell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kittrell'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.
Kittrell'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 Kittrell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kittrell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 162 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NOVOZYMES NA INC FRANKLINTON, NC27525 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 162 | 8.8 mi |
ARDAGH GLASS INC HENDERSON, NC27537 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
KENNAMETAL INC HENDERSON, NC27537 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
EASTERN MINERALS INC HENDERSON, NC27537 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
MARS PETCARE US INC. HENDERSON, NC27537 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtVance 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
Wake County has experienced 7 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 Kittrell compares by contaminant
Explore where Kittrell ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kittrell's water comes from
Kittrell'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,397 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Kittrell
Kittrell is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Kittrell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VANCE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT - KITTRELL | NC0291015 | 1,282 | SWP |
| LYNNBANK ESTATES | NC0291121 | 115 | GW |
How Kittrell compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Kittrell's score of 72.9/100 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 Kittrell, NC
Wikipedia →Raleigh is the capital city of the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the second-most populous city in the state, tenth most populous city in the Southeast, the largest city in the Research Triangle area, and the 39th-most populous city in the U.S. Known as the "City of Oaks" for its oak-lined streets, Raleigh covers 148.54 square miles (384.7 km2) and had a population of 467,665 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Wake County and is named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who founded the lost Roanoke Colony.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kittrell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Vance
Frequently asked questions
Is Kittrell, NC tap water safe to drink?
Kittrell's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #230 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Kittrell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Kittrell'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 Kittrell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kittrell's water come from?
Kittrell's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,397 residents.
What health violations has Kittrell's water system had?
Kittrell has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
How does Kittrell's water compare to other cities?
Kittrell ranks #230 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 45% of state cities) and #10207 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.