Is Tabor City, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.6/100
waterverge.com Tabor City, NC — Water Quality Report
Tabor City's drinking water received a grade of B (77.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,977 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 143 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tabor City's water
Tabor City ranks #183 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tabor City, NC water safe to drink?
Tabor City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,977 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Tabor City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tabor City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4568). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tabor City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tabor City's water system has 143 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbus 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.
Where does Tabor City's water come from?
Tabor City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,977 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Tabor City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tabor City'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.
Tabor City'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 droughtColumbus 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
Columbus 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tabor City compares by contaminant
Explore where Tabor City ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tabor City's water comes from
Tabor City'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 4,977 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Tabor City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TABOR CITY, TOWN OF | NC0424015 | 3,277 | SWP |
| COLUMBUS CO WATER DISTRICT I | NC0424060 | 1,700 | SWP |
How Tabor City compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Tabor City's score of 77.6/100 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 Tabor City, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tabor City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbus
Frequently asked questions
Is Tabor City, NC tap water safe to drink?
Tabor City's water quality earned a grade of B (77.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #183 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Tabor City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 143 violations are on record.
How is Tabor City'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 Tabor City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tabor City's water come from?
Tabor City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,977 residents.
How does Tabor City's water compare to other cities?
Tabor City ranks #183 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 56% of state cities) and #8935 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.