Is Louisburg, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 64 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
59.1/100
waterverge.com Louisburg, NC — Water Quality Report
Louisburg's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 5,120 residents using 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 285 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 64 remain unresolved.
What to know about Louisburg's water
Louisburg ranks #294 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 46.5 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Louisburg, NC water safe to drink?
Louisburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 5,120 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Louisburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Louisburg's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Louisburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Elevated disinfection byproduct levels. These form when chlorine interacts with organic matter during water treatment.
Violation history
Louisburg's water system has 285 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 64 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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 Tar R.
Where does Louisburg's water come from?
Louisburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 5,120 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tar R (river).
What Louisburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Louisburg'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.
Louisburg'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 Louisburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Louisburg, 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 | 6.1 mi |
TONEY LUMBER CO LOUISBURG, NC27549 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN LOUISBURG, NC27549 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtFranklin 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
Franklin 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 Louisburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Louisburg ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Louisburg's water comes from
Louisburg'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 5,120 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Louisburg
Louisburg is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Louisburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOUISBURG, TOWN OF | NC0235015 | 4,554 | SW |
| BAILEY FARMS SUBDIVISION | NC4035019 | 181 | GW |
| FOX PARK MHP | NC0235101 | 158 | GW |
| SWEET BRIAR S/D | NC0235127 | 143 | GW |
| PINE FOREST MHP | NC0235123 | 84 | GW |
How Louisburg compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Louisburg's score of 59.1/100 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 Louisburg, NC
Wikipedia →Louisburg is a town in and the county seat of Franklin County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 3,064. The town is located approximately 29 miles northeast of the state capital, Raleigh, and located about 31 miles south of the Virginia border. It is also the home of Louisburg College, the oldest two-year coeducational college in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Louisburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Louisburg, NC tap water safe to drink?
Louisburg's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #294 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Louisburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 285 violations are on record.
How is Louisburg'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 Louisburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Louisburg's water come from?
Louisburg's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 5,120 residents.
What health violations has Louisburg's water system had?
Louisburg has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 64 violations remain unresolved.
How does Louisburg's water compare to other cities?
Louisburg ranks #294 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 29% of state cities) and #12210 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.