Is Manteo, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.9/100
waterverge.com Manteo, NC — Water Quality Report
Manteo's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,638 residents using purchased ground 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 34 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Manteo's water
Manteo ranks #81 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Manteo purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Manteo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Manteo, NC water safe to drink?
Manteo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,638 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Manteo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Manteo's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.9/100).
Contaminants: 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.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Manteo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Manteo's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dare County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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 Manteo's water come from?
Manteo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,638 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Manteo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Manteo'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.
Manteo'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDare County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Dare County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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 Manteo compares by contaminant
Explore where Manteo ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Manteo's water comes from
Manteo purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Manteo's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,638 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Manteo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANTEO TOWN OF | NC0428020 | 2,638 | GWP |
How Manteo compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Manteo's score of 84.9/100 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 Manteo, NC
Wikipedia →Manteo is a town in Dare County, North Carolina, United States, located on Roanoke Island. The population was 1,602 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Dare County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Manteo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dare
Frequently asked questions
Is Manteo, NC tap water safe to drink?
Manteo's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #81 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Manteo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Manteo'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 Manteo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Manteo's water come from?
Manteo's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,638 residents.
What health violations has Manteo's water system had?
Manteo has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Manteo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Manteo 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 34 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 Manteo's water compare to other cities?
Manteo ranks #81 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 81% of state cities) and #5616 out of 15744 cities nationally (64th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Manteo's small water system affect quality?
Manteo's system serves approximately 2,638 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 34 violations on record.