Is Maple Hill, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.7/100
Maple Hill, NC — Water Quality Report
Maple Hill's drinking water received a grade of B (78.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,038 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 17 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Maple Hill's water
Maple Hill ranks #167 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Maple Hill 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, Maple Hill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Maple Hill, NC water safe to drink?
Maple Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,038 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Maple Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Maple Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4568). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Maple Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Maple Hill's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pender 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. Local water sources include Northeast Cape Fear R Nr Burgaw.
Where does Maple Hill's water come from?
Maple Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,038 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Northeast Cape Fear R Nr Burgaw (river).
What Maple Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Maple Hill'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.
Maple Hill'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 droughtPender 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
Pender 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 Maple Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Maple Hill ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Maple Hill's water comes from
Maple Hill 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 Maple Hill'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 1,038 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Maple Hill
Maple Hill is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Maple Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAPLE HILL WATER DISTRICT | NC0471025 | 968 | GWP |
| CHANDA`S RIDGE | NC7067005 | 70 | GW |
How Maple Hill compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Maple Hill's score of 78.7/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Maple Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pender
Frequently asked questions
Is Maple Hill, NC tap water safe to drink?
Maple Hill's water quality earned a grade of B (78.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #167 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Maple Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Maple Hill'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 Maple Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Maple Hill's water come from?
Maple Hill's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,038 residents.
What health violations has Maple Hill's water system had?
Maple Hill has 4 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Maple Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Maple Hill 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 17 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 Maple Hill's water compare to other cities?
Maple Hill ranks #167 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 60% of state cities) and #8575 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.