Is Pilot Mtn, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.9/100
waterverge.com Pilot Mtn, NC — Water Quality Report
Pilot Mtn's drinking water received a grade of B (77.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,976 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 58 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pilot Mtn's water
Pilot Mtn ranks #177 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Pilot Mtn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pilot Mtn, NC water safe to drink?
Pilot Mtn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,976 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pilot Mtn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pilot Mtn's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pilot Mtn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pilot Mtn's water system has 58 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Surry 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 Ararat River, Little Yadkin River.
Where does Pilot Mtn's water come from?
Pilot Mtn's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,976 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ararat River (river), Little Yadkin River (river).
What Pilot Mtn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pilot Mtn'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.
Pilot Mtn'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
D3 — extreme droughtSurry 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
Surry 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.
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 Pilot Mtn compares by contaminant
Explore where Pilot Mtn ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pilot Mtn's water comes from
Pilot Mtn'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 1,976 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pilot Mtn
Pilot Mtn is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Pilot Mtn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PILOT MOUNTAIN, TOWN OF | NC0286025 | 1,976 | SWP |
How Pilot Mtn compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Pilot Mtn's score of 77.9/100 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 Pilot Mtn, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pilot Mtn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Surry
Frequently asked questions
Is Pilot Mtn, NC tap water safe to drink?
Pilot Mtn's water quality earned a grade of B (77.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #177 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Pilot Mtn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 58 violations are on record.
How is Pilot Mtn'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 Pilot Mtn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pilot Mtn's water come from?
Pilot Mtn's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,976 residents.
What health violations has Pilot Mtn's water system had?
Pilot Mtn has 2 health-based violations 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pilot Mtn's water compare to other cities?
Pilot Mtn ranks #177 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 58% of state cities) and #8857 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pilot Mtn's small water system affect quality?
Pilot Mtn's system serves approximately 1,976 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 58 violations on record.