Is Teachey, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.2/100
waterverge.com Teachey, NC — Water Quality Report
Teachey's drinking water received a grade of B (78.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 18 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Teachey's water
Teachey ranks #173 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Teachey purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Teachey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Teachey, NC water safe to drink?
Teachey's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Teachey
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Teachey's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Teachey's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Teachey's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Duplin 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 Teachey's water come from?
Teachey's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 663 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Teachey residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Teachey'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.
Teachey'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 Teachey
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Teachey, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HOUSE OF RAEFORD FARMS INC ROSE HILL, NC28458 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
MURPHY-BROWN LLC ROSEMARY FEED MILL ROSE HILL, NC28458 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
MURPHY-BROWN LLC CHIEF FEED MILL ROSE HILL, NC28458 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC-ROSE HILL FACILITY ROSE HILL, NC28458 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
NASH JOHNSON & SONS FARMS INC ROSE HILL FEED MILL ROSE HILL, NC28458 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDuplin 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
Duplin 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Teachey's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.93 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.929 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Teachey compares by contaminant
Explore where Teachey ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Teachey's water comes from
Teachey purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Teachey's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 663 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Teachey
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEACHEY, TOWN OF | NC0431044 | 663 | GWP |
How Teachey compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Teachey's score of 78.2/100 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 Teachey, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Teachey's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Duplin
Frequently asked questions
Is Teachey, NC tap water safe to drink?
Teachey's water quality earned a grade of B (78.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #173 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Teachey's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Teachey'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 Teachey?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Teachey's water come from?
Teachey's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 663 residents.
What health violations has Teachey's water system had?
Teachey has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Teachey's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Teachey 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 18 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 Teachey's water compare to other cities?
Teachey ranks #173 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 59% of state cities) and #8773 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Teachey's small water system affect quality?
Teachey's system serves approximately 663 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 18 violations on record.