Is Rich Square, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.6/100
waterverge.com Rich Square, NC — Water Quality Report
Rich Square's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,067 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 28 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rich Square's water
Rich Square ranks #19 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Rich Square 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, Rich Square may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rich Square, NC water safe to drink?
Rich Square's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,067 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rich Square
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rich Square's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.6/100).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rich Square's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rich Square's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Northampton 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 Roanoke River.
Where does Rich Square's water come from?
Rich Square's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,067 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Roanoke River (river).
What Rich Square residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rich Square'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.
Rich Square'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 Rich Square
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rich Square, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,109,368 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PERDUE FOODS LLC - LEWISTON PROCESSING PLANT LEWISTON WOODVILLE, NC27849 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,109,368 | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNorthampton 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
Northampton 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 Rich Square compares by contaminant
Explore where Rich Square ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rich Square's water comes from
Rich Square'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 1,067 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rich Square
Rich Square is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rich Square
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICH SQUARE, TOWN OF | NC0466020 | 1,067 | GW |
How Rich Square compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Rich Square's score of 89.6/100 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 Rich Square, NC
Wikipedia →Rich Square is an American town of 894 people in Northampton County, North Carolina.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rich Square's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Northampton
Frequently asked questions
Is Rich Square, NC tap water safe to drink?
Rich Square's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Rich Square's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.
How is Rich Square'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 Rich Square?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rich Square's water come from?
Rich Square's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,067 residents.
What health violations has Rich Square's water system had?
Rich Square has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rich Square's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rich Square 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 28 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 Rich Square's water compare to other cities?
Rich Square ranks #19 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 95% of state cities) and #2729 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rich Square's small water system affect quality?
Rich Square's system serves approximately 1,067 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 28 violations on record.