Is Scotland Neck, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 44 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.5/100
waterverge.com Scotland Neck, NC — Water Quality Report
Scotland Neck's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,761 residents using purchased surface water.
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 116 violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scotland Neck's water
Scotland Neck ranks #232 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Scotland Neck may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scotland Neck, NC water safe to drink?
Scotland Neck's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,761 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Scotland Neck
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scotland Neck's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.5/100).
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 Scotland Neck's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Scotland Neck's water system has 116 total violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Halifax 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 Scotland Neck's water come from?
Scotland Neck's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,761 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Roanoke River (river).
What Scotland Neck residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scotland Neck'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.
Scotland Neck'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 Scotland Neck
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Scotland Neck, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AIRBOSS RUBBER COMPOUNDING CO INC SCOTLAND NECK, NC27874 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtHalifax 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
Halifax 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Scotland Neck compares by contaminant
Explore where Scotland Neck ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scotland Neck's water comes from
Scotland Neck's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,761 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Scotland Neck
Scotland Neck is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Scotland Neck
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCOTLAND NECK, TOWN OF | NC0442015 | 2,761 | SWP |
How Scotland Neck compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Scotland Neck's score of 72.5/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Scotland Neck, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scotland Neck's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Halifax
Frequently asked questions
Is Scotland Neck, NC tap water safe to drink?
Scotland Neck's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #232 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Scotland Neck's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 116 violations are on record.
How is Scotland Neck'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 Scotland Neck?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Scotland Neck's water come from?
Scotland Neck's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,761 residents.
What health violations has Scotland Neck's water system had?
Scotland Neck has 44 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 44 violations remain unresolved.
How does Scotland Neck's water compare to other cities?
Scotland Neck ranks #232 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 44% of state cities) and #10301 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Scotland Neck's small water system affect quality?
Scotland Neck's system serves approximately 2,761 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 116 violations on record.