Is Oak Ridge, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Oak Ridge, NC — Water Quality Report
Oak Ridge's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 25 water systems serve approximately 4,243 residents using groundwater.
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 913 violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 136 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oak Ridge's water
Oak Ridge ranks #338 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Oak Ridge relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
The system has seen 121 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oak Ridge, NC water safe to drink?
Oak Ridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 25 water systems serve approximately 4,243 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oak Ridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oak Ridge's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB), Toxaphene, Benzo(a)pyrene.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Oak Ridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Oak Ridge's water system has 913 total violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 136 remain unresolved. 121 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wake 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 Bond Lake, Coles Branch Reservoir, Hatchers Grove Reservoir, Page Lake, Sorrells Grove Reservoir.
Where does Oak Ridge's water come from?
Oak Ridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 25 water systems serving approximately 4,243 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bond Lake (lake), Coles Branch Reservoir (lake), Hatchers Grove Reservoir (lake), Page Lake (lake), Sorrells Grove Reservoir (lake).
What Oak Ridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oak Ridge'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.
Oak Ridge'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 Oak Ridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Oak Ridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7,872 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS LLC - BELEWS CREEK STEAM STATION WALNUT COVE, NC27052 | Manganese compounds | 7,868 | 8.9 mi |
GILBARCO INC GREENSBORO, NC27410 | Lead | 2 | 7.0 mi |
JOHN DEERE KERNERSVILLE LLC KERNERSVILLE, NC27284 | Lead | 1 | 6.7 mi |
ADAMS AN OLDCASTLE CO-COLFAX COLFAX, NC27235 | Lead | 0 | 5.1 mi |
W&W-AFCO STEEL LLC COLFAX, NC27235 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGuilford 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
Wake 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Oak Ridge's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oak Ridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Oak Ridge ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oak Ridge's water comes from
Oak Ridge's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 4,243 people through 25 water systems.
Water bodies near Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Oak Ridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARBOR RUN/CHARLES PLACE S/D | NC3041039 | 576 | GW |
| WILSON FARMS/AUBURNDALE | NC0241220 | 465 | GW |
| RIVER OAKS S/D | NC0241203 | 409 | GW |
| RIDGECREST/BAKERSFIELD S/D | NC3041066 | 343 | GW |
| THE ESTATES OF OAK RIDGE LAKE | NC0241240 | 300 | GW |
| WEATHERSTONE S/D | NC0241206 | 269 | GW |
| TWELVE OAKS S/D | NC0241211 | 234 | GW |
| PEPPER RIDGE S/D | NC3041051 | 185 | GW |
| OAK RIDGE MILITARY ACADEMY | NC0241539 | 150 | GW |
| SMOKE RIDGE ESTATES | NC0241197 | 135 | GW |
| BALLARD FARMS S/D | NC3041034 | 125 | GW |
| KNIGHT`S LANDING S/D | NC3041101 | 117 | GW |
| WILLARD OAKS S/D | NC0241225 | 112 | GW |
| MERRIMAN ESTATES/BILLET PLACE | NC0241227 | 107 | GW |
| LINVILLE OAKS S/D | NC3041043 | 104 | GW |
| CRUTCHFIELD FARMS S/D | NC3041042 | 81 | GW |
| FOXBURY MEADOWS S/D | NC0241238 | 79 | GW |
| PEARMAN ESTATES | NC3041058 | 76 | GW |
| THATCHER WOODS | NC3041113 | 72 | GW |
| FOXBURY S/D | NC0241208 | 61 | GW |
| KENSINGTON PLACE S/D | NC3041085 | 61 | GW |
| HUNTING RIDGE S/D | NC3041010 | 58 | GW |
| AUTUMN RIDGE S/D | NC3041109 | 56 | GW |
| VILLAGE WOODS DEVELOPMENT | NC3041075 | 38 | GW |
| HONEYCUTT RESERVE | NC3041130 | 30 | GW |
How Oak Ridge compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Oak Ridge's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Oak Ridge, NC
Wikipedia →Cary is a town in Wake, Chatham, and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina and is part of the Raleigh-Cary, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2020 census, its population was 174,721, making it the seventh-most populous municipality in North Carolina, and the 146th-most populous in the United States. In 2023, the town's population had increased to 180,010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oak Ridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Guilford
Frequently asked questions
Is Oak Ridge, NC tap water safe to drink?
Oak Ridge's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #338 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Oak Ridge's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 913 violations are on record.
How is Oak Ridge'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 Oak Ridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oak Ridge's water come from?
Oak Ridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 25 water systems serving approximately 4,243 residents.
What health violations has Oak Ridge's water system had?
Oak Ridge has 54 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 136 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oak Ridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oak Ridge 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 913 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 Oak Ridge's water compare to other cities?
Oak Ridge ranks #338 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 19% of state cities) and #13969 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.