Is Norlina, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 43 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.3/100
waterverge.com Norlina, NC — Water Quality Report
Norlina's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,108 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 72 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved.
What to know about Norlina's water
Norlina ranks #261 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, Norlina may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norlina, NC water safe to drink?
Norlina's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,108 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Norlina
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norlina's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence 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 Norlina's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Norlina's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Warren County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2003. 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 Norlina's water come from?
Norlina's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,108 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Norlina residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Norlina'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.
Norlina'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 Norlina
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Norlina, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DOMAN TUCKER LUMBER OF NORTH CAROLINA LLC HENDERSON, NC27537 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWarren 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
Warren County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2003. 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 (2021)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Norlina compares by contaminant
Explore where Norlina ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norlina's water comes from
Norlina'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 1,108 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Norlina
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORLINA, TOWN OF | NC0293020 | 1,108 | SWP |
How Norlina compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Norlina's score of 65.3/100 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 Norlina, NC
Wikipedia →Norlina is a town in Warren County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Norlina had a population of 920.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norlina's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Warren
Frequently asked questions
Is Norlina, NC tap water safe to drink?
Norlina's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #261 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Norlina's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.
How is Norlina'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 Norlina?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norlina's water come from?
Norlina's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,108 residents.
What health violations has Norlina's water system had?
Norlina has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 43 violations remain unresolved.
How does Norlina's water compare to other cities?
Norlina ranks #261 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 37% of state cities) and #11536 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Norlina's small water system affect quality?
Norlina's system serves approximately 1,108 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 72 violations on record.