Is Pembroke, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82/100
waterverge.com Pembroke, NC — Water Quality Report
Pembroke's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,438 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 30 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pembroke's water
Pembroke ranks #115 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pembroke 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pembroke, NC water safe to drink?
Pembroke's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,438 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pembroke
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pembroke's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pembroke's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pembroke's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Robeson County has experienced 10 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 Lumber River.
Where does Pembroke's water come from?
Pembroke's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,438 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lumber River (river).
What Pembroke residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pembroke'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.
Pembroke'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 Pembroke
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pembroke, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ELKAY PLUMBING PRODUCTS CO LUMBERTON, NC28360 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
SILGAN CONTAINERS MANUFACTURING CORP MAXTON, NC28364 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
TRINITY FROZEN FOODS LLC PEMBROKE, NC28372 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRobeson 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
Robeson County has experienced 10 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Pembroke compares by contaminant
Explore where Pembroke ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pembroke's water comes from
Pembroke'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,438 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pembroke
Pembroke is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pembroke
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEMBROKE, TOWN OF | NC0378020 | 3,073 | GW |
| TOWN OF PEMBROKE - UNIVERSITY COURTYARD | NC5078007 | 365 | GWP |
How Pembroke compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Pembroke's score of 82/100 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 →About Pembroke, NC
Wikipedia →Pembroke is a town in Robeson County, North Carolina, United States. It is about 90 miles inland and northwest from the Atlantic Coast. The population was 2,823 at the 2020 census. The town is the seat of the federally recognized Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, as well as the home of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pembroke's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Robeson
Frequently asked questions
Is Pembroke, NC tap water safe to drink?
Pembroke's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #115 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Pembroke's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Pembroke'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 Pembroke?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pembroke's water come from?
Pembroke's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,438 residents.
What health violations has Pembroke's water system had?
Pembroke has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pembroke's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pembroke 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 30 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 Pembroke's water compare to other cities?
Pembroke ranks #115 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 72% of state cities) and #7218 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.