Is Richlands, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.5/100
waterverge.com Richlands, NC — Water Quality Report
Richlands's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,555 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Richlands's water
Richlands ranks #84 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Richlands 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, Richlands may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Richlands, NC water safe to drink?
Richlands's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,555 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Richlands
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Richlands's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4568). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Richlands's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Richlands's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Onslow County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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 New River.
Where does Richlands's water come from?
Richlands's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,555 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include New River (river).
What Richlands residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Richlands'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Richlands'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
D2 — severe droughtOnslow County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Onslow County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Richlands compares by contaminant
Explore where Richlands ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Richlands's water comes from
Richlands'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,555 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Richlands
Richlands is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Richlands
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTHWEST ONSLOW WATER ASSOC | NC0467030 | 2,555 | GW |
How Richlands compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Richlands's score of 84.5/100 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 Richlands, NC
Wikipedia →Richlands is a town in Onslow County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Richlands had a population of 2,287. It is included in the Jacksonville, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. Incorporated on March 29, 1880, it was the first town in Onslow County to have its own library and museum. Richlands was also the first town in Onslow County to have a female mayor, Annette Hargett.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Richlands's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Onslow
Frequently asked questions
Is Richlands, NC tap water safe to drink?
Richlands's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #84 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Richlands's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Richlands'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 Richlands?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Richlands's water come from?
Richlands's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,555 residents.
What health violations has Richlands's water system had?
Richlands has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Richlands's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Richlands 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 Richlands's water compare to other cities?
Richlands ranks #84 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 80% of state cities) and #5859 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Richlands's small water system affect quality?
Richlands's system serves approximately 2,555 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.