Is Roseboro, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.7/100
Roseboro, NC — Water Quality Report
Roseboro's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,426 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 27 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roseboro's water
Roseboro ranks #44 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Roseboro 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, Roseboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roseboro, NC water safe to drink?
Roseboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,426 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roseboro
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roseboro's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.7/100).
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: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Roseboro's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Roseboro's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sampson 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.
Where does Roseboro's water come from?
Roseboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,426 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Roseboro residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roseboro'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.
Roseboro'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 droughtSampson 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
Sampson 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 Roseboro compares by contaminant
Explore where Roseboro ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roseboro's water comes from
Roseboro'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 1,426 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Roseboro
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROSEBORO, TOWN OF | NC0382015 | 1,278 | GW |
| SAMPSON CO WTR DIST I-ROSEBORO | NC0382055 | 148 | GWP |
How Roseboro compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Roseboro's score of 87.7/100 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 Roseboro, NC
Wikipedia →Clinton is a city in and the county seat of Sampson County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,383. Clinton is named for Richard Clinton, a Brigadier General of the North Carolina militia in the American Revolution.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roseboro's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sampson
Frequently asked questions
Is Roseboro, NC tap water safe to drink?
Roseboro's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #44 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Roseboro's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Roseboro'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 Roseboro?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roseboro's water come from?
Roseboro's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,426 residents.
Is Roseboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roseboro 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 27 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 Roseboro's water compare to other cities?
Roseboro ranks #44 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 89% of state cities) and #3892 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.