Lithium Contamination

Lithium in North Carolina Drinking Water

Ranked by max lithium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 5 data (2023–2025) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Detected

100%

% Detected

18.7 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

362

Health Violations

Analysis

Lithium in North Carolina: what the data shows

North Carolina has 41 cities with lithium data from the EPA's UCMR 5 program (2023–2025). Lithium was detected in 41 of those cities. There is currently no federal MCL or health advisory for lithium — the state average max detected level is 18.7 µg/L. Nationally, lithium is detected in roughly 28% of sampled water systems. Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in arid western states, and is concentrated in some surface waters near industrial discharge or geothermal sources. UCMR 5 added lithium monitoring in 2023, providing the first systematic national snapshot of public-water lithium levels. At therapeutic doses (administered as a medication), lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder. Chronic low-dose exposure from drinking water has been associated in some studies with effects on thyroid function and possibly mood. The most protective state guidance value is around 60 µg/L. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange are effective removal methods.

Comparison

Cities exceeding No federal MCL or HA

North Carolina

100%

41 of 41 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

2808 of 2808 cities

City Map

Lithium data across North Carolina

Each dot is a city with UCMR 5 lithium testing data. Detected cities are shown — there is no federal limit, though some states use 60 µg/L as a screening level. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by lithium level in North Carolina

Highest Lithium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All North Carolina cities ranked by lithium level

#	City	Level	Detected?	Violations	Grade
1	Plymouth	60.3 µg/L	Detected	8	B+
2	Roper	45.3 µg/L	Detected	25	C+
3	Edenton	39.0 µg/L	Detected	31	D+
4	Bayboro	38.5 µg/L	Detected	14	B-
5	Edward	34.0 µg/L	Detected	1	A
6	Camp Lejeune	32.7 µg/L	Detected	10	A-
7	Jacksonville	29.5 µg/L	Detected	22	F
8	Hertford	28.0 µg/L	Detected	7	D+
9	Brevard	26.4 µg/L	Detected	26	F
10	Elizabeth City	20.9 µg/L	Detected	2	A-
11	Windsor	20.1 µg/L	Detected	7	A-
12	Carolina Beach	19.2 µg/L	Detected	5	D
13	Wilmington	17.5 µg/L	Detected	22	F
14	Wilson	17.2 µg/L	Detected	7	C+
15	Emerald Isle	17.0 µg/L	Detected	7	B
16	Burgaw	16.7 µg/L	Detected	21	F
17	Bridgeton	16.6 µg/L	Detected	2	B+
18	Beaufort	16.5 µg/L	Detected	34	F
19	Raleigh	16.3 µg/L	Detected	241	F
20	Bessemer City	16.0 µg/L	Detected	17	D
21	Wrightsville Beach	15.7 µg/L	Detected	6	B
22	Farmville	14.6 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
23	Whiteville	14.1 µg/L	Detected	2	C
24	Kure Beach	13.5 µg/L	Detected	4	B+
25	Atlantic Beach	13.3 µg/L	Detected	5	B+
26	Maxton	12.0 µg/L	Detected	12	C
27	Raeford	12.0 µg/L	Detected	16	F
28	Rockingham	12.0 µg/L	Detected	15	C
29	Apex	11.3 µg/L	Detected	40	F
30	Sanford	11.3 µg/L	Detected	31	F
31	Washington	11.0 µg/L	Detected	2	B+
32	Trenton	11.0 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
33	Ahoskie	11.0 µg/L	Detected	1	A-
34	Old Fort	11.0 µg/L	Detected	2	C
35	Morehead City	10.6 µg/L	Detected	17	C
36	Goldsboro	10.1 µg/L	Detected	11	F
37	Nashville	9.5 µg/L	Detected	36	F
38	White Lake	9.3 µg/L	Detected	1	B
39	Gatesville	9.1 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
40	Statesville	9.1 µg/L	Detected	37	F
41	Williamston	9.0 µg/L	Detected	4	C-

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about lithium in North Carolina

Is lithium in North Carolina tap water harmful?

Lithium has no federal MCL or health advisory. Some state agencies use 60 µg/L as a screening level. 41 cities in North Carolina had detectable lithium in UCMR 5 testing. Therapeutic lithium doses (used to treat bipolar disorder) are far higher than typical drinking-water levels, but chronic low-level exposure has been studied for potential thyroid and mood effects.

Where does lithium in tap water come from?

Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, especially in arid western states with lithium-bearing geology (parts of Nevada, California, North Carolina, Texas). It can also enter water from industrial sources such as battery manufacturing, ceramics, and lithium-mining wastewater. Geothermal hot springs are another natural source.

How can I remove lithium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing lithium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems and distillation also work well. Standard activated carbon filters are NOT effective against lithium. If you rely on a private well in a lithium-rich geological area, consider testing.

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