Is Pine Level, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 33 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
54.3/100
waterverge.com Pine Level, NC — Water Quality Report
Pine Level's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,651 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 172 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pine Level's water
Pine Level ranks #307 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Pine Level 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, Pine Level may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pine Level, NC water safe to drink?
Pine Level's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,651 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pine Level
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pine Level's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule, TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM.
3 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, TTHM.
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 Pine Level's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pine Level's water system has 172 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Johnston County has experienced 10 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 Neuse River, Little River.
Where does Pine Level's water come from?
Pine Level's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,651 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Neuse River (river), Little River (river).
What Pine Level residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pine Level'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.
Pine Level'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 Pine Level
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pine Level, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MAYCRAFT BOATS LLC FOUR OAKS, NC27524 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
CONESTOGA KENLY PLANT & SPRAYROOM KENLY, NC27542 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
LFC2 SELMA, NC27576 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
ZEHRCO-GIANCOLA COMPOSITES INC. SMITHFIELD, NC27577 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
LAMPE & MALPHRUS LUMBER CO SMITHFIELD, NC27577 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtJohnston 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
Johnston County has experienced 10 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pine Level compares by contaminant
Explore where Pine Level ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pine Level's water comes from
Pine Level'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 2,651 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pine Level
Pine Level is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pine Level
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINE LEVEL, TOWN OF | NC0351040 | 2,413 | GW |
| PINE LEVEL, TOWN OF (FIRETOWER) | NC4051006 | 238 | SWP |
How Pine Level compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Pine Level's score of 54.3/100 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 Pine Level, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pine Level's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Johnston
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine Level, NC tap water safe to drink?
Pine Level's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #307 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Pine Level's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 172 violations are on record.
How is Pine Level'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 Pine Level?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pine Level's water come from?
Pine Level's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,651 residents.
What health violations has Pine Level's water system had?
Pine Level has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 33 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pine Level's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pine Level 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 172 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 Pine Level's water compare to other cities?
Pine Level ranks #307 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 26% of state cities) and #12616 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.