Is Ogden, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.9/100
waterverge.com Ogden, NC — Water Quality Report
Ogden's drinking water received a grade of A (90.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 760 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 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ogden's water
Ogden ranks #16 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ogden 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.
As a small community water system, Ogden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ogden, NC water safe to drink?
Ogden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 760 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ogden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ogden's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.9/100).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ogden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ogden's water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mecklenburg County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg, Reedy Creek, Gar Creek, Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is, Long Creek.
Where does Ogden's water come from?
Ogden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 760 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg (river), Reedy Creek (river), Gar Creek (river), Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is (river), Long Creek (river).
What Ogden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ogden'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.
Ogden'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 Ogden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ogden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7,114 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEV COMPANY/GEH NEA/GNF-A WILMINGTON, NC28401 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 7,019 | 8.3 mi |
AMERICAN CHROME & CHEMICALS CASTLE HAYNE, NC28429 | Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 95 | 7.7 mi |
ADAMS AN OLDCASTLE CO - CASTLE HAYNE CASTLE HAYNE, NC28429 | Lead | 0 | 7.8 mi |
S&W WILMINGTON PLANT WILMINGTON, NC28401 | Lead | 0 | 9.9 mi |
S&W CASTLE HAYNE PLANT CASTLE HAYNE, NC28429 | Lead | 0 | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Ogden
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- HORTON IRON AND METAL9.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtNew Hanover 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
Mecklenburg County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Ogden compares by contaminant
Explore where Ogden ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ogden's water comes from
Ogden'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 760 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ogden
Ogden is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ogden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TREASURE COVE S/D | NC0465165 | 760 | GW |
How Ogden compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Ogden's score of 90.9/100 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 Ogden, NC
Wikipedia →Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. With a population of 874,579 at the 2020 census, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., seventh-most populous city in the South, and second-most populous city in the Southeast. The Charlotte metropolitan area, with an estimated 2.88 million residents, is the 21st-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of an 18-county combined statistical area with an estimated population of 3.47 million as of 2024. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ogden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across New Hanover
Frequently asked questions
Is Ogden, NC tap water safe to drink?
Ogden's water quality earned a grade of A (90.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #16 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Ogden's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Ogden'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 Ogden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ogden's water come from?
Ogden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 760 residents.
Is Ogden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ogden 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 14 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 Ogden's water compare to other cities?
Ogden ranks #16 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 96% of state cities) and #1991 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ogden's small water system affect quality?
Ogden's system serves approximately 760 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 14 violations on record.