Is Whitakers, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com Whitakers, NC — Water Quality Report
Whitakers's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 869 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 45 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whitakers's water
Whitakers ranks #113 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.
As a small community water system, Whitakers may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitakers, NC water safe to drink?
Whitakers's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 869 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Whitakers
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitakers's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Whitakers's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Whitakers's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Whitakers's water come from?
Whitakers's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 869 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Whitakers residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Whitakers'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.
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 Whitakers
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitakers, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 14 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KABA ILCO CORP ROCKY MOUNT, NC27801 | Zinc compounds | 13 | 9.2 mi |
SEPRO RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS WHITAKERS, NC27891 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 1 | 1.9 mi |
BINDERHOLZ ENFIELD LLC ENFIELD, NC27823 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
CONSOLIDATED DIESEL CO WHITAKERS, NC27891 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtEdgecombe 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.
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 Whitakers compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitakers ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitakers's water comes from
Whitakers'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 869 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Whitakers
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITAKERS, TOWN OF | NC0433040 | 869 | SWP |
How Whitakers compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Whitakers's score of 82.3/100 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 Whitakers, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitakers's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Edgecombe
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitakers, NC tap water safe to drink?
Whitakers's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #113 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Whitakers's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Whitakers'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 Whitakers?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whitakers's water come from?
Whitakers's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 869 residents.
What health violations has Whitakers's water system had?
Whitakers has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Whitakers's water compare to other cities?
Whitakers ranks #113 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 73% of state cities) and #7059 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Whitakers's small water system affect quality?
Whitakers's system serves approximately 869 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 45 violations on record.