Water Quality in Elm City, NC: 24 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 57/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Elm City's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Elm City in NC has 24 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Elm City
Water quality varies across Elm City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27822 | C | 57 | 24 | 8 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Elm City.
Water Quality Overview
Elm City, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 57 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Elm City have accumulated 24 EPA violations, including 8 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,450 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Elm City's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Elm City is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 54% of homes built before 1986, Elm City has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Elm City
Elm City is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,450 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elm City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Elm City
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Elm City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Elm City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 11 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Elm City:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2023 to 3 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Elm City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-04 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-01 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-01 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-07-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-28 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-25 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-29.
Elm City vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Elm City's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elm City | C | 24 | 1 | 1,450 |
| Kelford | C | 0 | 1 | 1,438 |
| Lewiston Woodville | B | 0 | 1 | 1,438 |
| Mount Gilead | A | 7 | 1 | 1,463 |
Common Questions About Elm City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Elm City, North Carolina:
Is Elm City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Elm City's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Elm City tap water? Elm City's water receives a grade of C (57/100). There are 8 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Elm City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Elm City vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Elm City compares to the broader North Carolina average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Elm City.
ZIP Codes in Elm City
Elm City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 27822. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.