Is Pinetops, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.2/100
waterverge.com Pinetops, NC — Water Quality Report
Pinetops's drinking water received a grade of B (77.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 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 19 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pinetops's water
Pinetops ranks #188 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pinetops 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, Pinetops may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pinetops, NC water safe to drink?
Pinetops's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pinetops
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pinetops's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.2/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Pinetops's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pinetops's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Edgecombe 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 Tar River.
Where does Pinetops's water come from?
Pinetops's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tar River (river).
What Pinetops residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pinetops'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.
Pinetops'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 Pinetops
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pinetops, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ABB INC PINETOPS, NC27864 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
HC COMPOSITES LLC TARBORO, NC27886 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
HITACHI ASTEMO INDIANA INC. TARBORO, NC27886 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
LS CABLE & SYSTEM U.S.A., INC. TARBORO, NC27886 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
SARA LEE FROZEN BAKERY LLC TARBORO, NC27886 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtEdgecombe 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
Edgecombe 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Pinetops compares by contaminant
Explore where Pinetops ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pinetops's water comes from
Pinetops'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pinetops
Pinetops is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pinetops
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINETOPS, TOWN OF | NC0433015 | 1,200 | GW |
How Pinetops compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Pinetops's score of 77.2/100 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 Pinetops, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pinetops's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Edgecombe
Frequently asked questions
Is Pinetops, NC tap water safe to drink?
Pinetops's water quality earned a grade of B (77.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #188 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Pinetops's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Pinetops'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 Pinetops?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pinetops's water come from?
Pinetops's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
What health violations has Pinetops's water system had?
Pinetops has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pinetops's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pinetops 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 19 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 Pinetops's water compare to other cities?
Pinetops ranks #188 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 55% of state cities) and #9081 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pinetops's small water system affect quality?
Pinetops's system serves approximately 1,200 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 19 violations on record.