Is Vass, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 48 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.4/100
Vass, NC — Water Quality Report
Vass's drinking water received a grade of C (63.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 4,824 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 158 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 48 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vass's water
Vass ranks #269 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.
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 Vass, NC water safe to drink?
Vass's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 4,824 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Vass
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Vass's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Vass's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Vass's water system has 158 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 48 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wake County has experienced 7 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 Bond Lake, Coles Branch Reservoir, Hatchers Grove Reservoir, Page Lake, Sorrells Grove Reservoir.
Where does Vass's water come from?
Vass's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 4,824 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bond Lake (lake), Coles Branch Reservoir (lake), Hatchers Grove Reservoir (lake), Page Lake (lake), Sorrells Grove Reservoir (lake).
What Vass residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Vass'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.
Vass'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 Vass
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Vass, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INGERSOLL RAND SOUTHERN PINES, NC28387 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMoore 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
Wake County has experienced 7 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 Vass compares by contaminant
Explore where Vass ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vass's water comes from
Vass'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 private ownership and serves approximately 4,824 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Vass
Vass is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Vass
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOODLAKE WATER & SEWER INC | NC0363114 | 2,287 | SWP |
| MOORE CO PUBLIC UTIL-VASS | NC0363045 | 1,862 | SWP |
| MOORE CO PUBLIC UTIL-HYLAND SD | NC0363103 | 340 | SWP |
| SKYLINE ESTATES MH S/D | NC0363138 | 170 | SWP |
| MOORE CO PUBLIC UTIL-HIDDEN LAKES S/D | NC5063024 | 165 | SWP |
How Vass compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Vass's score of 63.4/100 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 Vass, NC
Wikipedia →Cary is a town in Wake, Chatham, and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina and is part of the Raleigh-Cary, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2020 census, its population was 174,721, making it the seventh-most populous municipality in North Carolina, and the 146th-most populous in the United States. In 2023, the town's population had increased to 180,010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vass's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Moore
Frequently asked questions
Is Vass, NC tap water safe to drink?
Vass's water quality earned a grade of C (63.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #269 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Vass's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 158 violations are on record.
How is Vass'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 Vass?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Vass's water come from?
Vass's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 4,824 residents.
What health violations has Vass's water system had?
Vass has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 48 violations remain unresolved.
How does Vass's water compare to other cities?
Vass ranks #269 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 35% of state cities) and #11758 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.