Is Nags Head, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Nags Head ranks. What to do next ↓
96.4/100
waterverge.com Nags Head, NC — Water Quality Report
Nags Head's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,125 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 13 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Nags Head's water
Nags Head ranks #2 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Nags Head 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, Nags Head may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nags Head, NC water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Nags Head's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.4/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,125 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nags Head
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nags Head's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.4/100).
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: CYANIDE, Chromium, Cadmium.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nags Head's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nags Head's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
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 Nags Head's water come from?
Nags Head's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,125 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Nags Head residents can do
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.
Nags Head'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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Nags Head compares by contaminant
Explore where Nags Head ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nags Head's water comes from
Nags Head 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 Nags Head'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 3,125 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Nags Head
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAGS HEAD, TOWN OF | NC0428010 | 3,125 | GWP |
How Nags Head compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Nags Head's score of 96.4/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Nags Head, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nags Head's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dare
Frequently asked questions
Is Nags Head, NC tap water safe to drink?
Nags Head's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #2 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Nags Head's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Nags Head'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 Nags Head?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nags Head's water come from?
Nags Head's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,125 residents.
Is Nags Head's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nags Head 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 13 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 Nags Head's water compare to other cities?
Nags Head ranks #2 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 100% of state cities) and #185 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nags Head's small water system affect quality?
Nags Head's system serves approximately 3,125 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 13 violations on record.