Is Topsail Beach, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
64.8/100
waterverge.com Topsail Beach, NC — Water Quality Report
Topsail Beach's drinking water received a grade of C (64.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,261 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 96 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Topsail Beach's water
Topsail Beach ranks #265 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Topsail Beach 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.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Topsail Beach, NC water safe to drink?
Topsail Beach's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 6,261 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Topsail Beach
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Topsail Beach's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Topsail Beach'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
Topsail Beach's water system has 96 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pender 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 Topsail Beach's water come from?
Topsail Beach's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 6,261 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Topsail Beach residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Topsail Beach'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.
Topsail Beach'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 Topsail Beach
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Topsail Beach, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
S&W HOLLY RIDGE PLANT HOLLY RIDGE, NC28445 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPender 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
Pender 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 Topsail Beach'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.57 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.570 mg/L (2010)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Topsail Beach compares by contaminant
Explore where Topsail Beach ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Topsail Beach's water comes from
Topsail Beach'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 6,261 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Topsail Beach
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOPSAIL BEACH, TOWN OF | NC0471020 | 3,584 | GW |
| OLD SETTLERS WATER SYSTEM | NC7067008 | 2,677 | GWP |
How Topsail Beach compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Topsail Beach's score of 64.8/100 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 Topsail Beach, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Topsail Beach's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pender
Frequently asked questions
Is Topsail Beach, NC tap water safe to drink?
Topsail Beach's water quality earned a grade of C (64.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #265 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Topsail Beach's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 96 violations are on record.
How is Topsail Beach'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 Topsail Beach?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Topsail Beach's water come from?
Topsail Beach's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 6,261 residents.
What health violations has Topsail Beach's water system had?
Topsail Beach has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Topsail Beach's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Topsail Beach 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 96 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 Topsail Beach's water compare to other cities?
Topsail Beach ranks #265 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 36% of state cities) and #11616 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.