Is Saint Pauls, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Saint Pauls, NC — Water Quality Report
Saint Pauls's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,555 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 62 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Saint Pauls's water
Saint Pauls ranks #61 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Saint Pauls 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, Saint Pauls may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saint Pauls, NC water safe to drink?
Saint Pauls's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,555 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Saint Pauls
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saint Pauls's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Saint Pauls's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Saint Pauls's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Robeson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Cape Fear R, Big Swamp Nr Tar Heel.
Where does Saint Pauls's water come from?
Saint Pauls's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems 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 Cape Fear R (river), Big Swamp Nr Tar Heel (river).
What Saint Pauls residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Saint Pauls'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.
Saint Pauls'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
D3 — extreme droughtRobeson 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
Robeson County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Saint Pauls compares by contaminant
Explore where Saint Pauls ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saint Pauls's water comes from
Saint Pauls'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 2,555 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Saint Pauls
Saint Pauls is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Saint Pauls
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAINT PAULS, TOWN OF | NC0378030 | 2,385 | GW |
| TOWN OF SAINT PAULS - EVANS RD | NC5078006 | 170 | GWP |
How Saint Pauls compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Saint Pauls's score of 86.3/100 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 Saint Pauls, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saint Pauls's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Robeson
Frequently asked questions
Is Saint Pauls, NC tap water safe to drink?
Saint Pauls's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #61 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Saint Pauls's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Saint Pauls'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 Saint Pauls?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Saint Pauls's water come from?
Saint Pauls's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,555 residents.
Is Saint Pauls's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Saint Pauls 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 62 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 Saint Pauls's water compare to other cities?
Saint Pauls ranks #61 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 85% of state cities) and #4772 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.