Orange County Water Quality: 286 Violations (NC)
18 water systems · 9 ZIP codes · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-04
Violation Trend
EPA violations across water systems in Orange County.
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Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Orange County has 18 community water systems serving approximately 1,328,282 people across 9 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 286 EPA violations, including 53 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 19% of all violations in Orange County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 53 | 18.5% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 233 | 81.5% |
| Total | 286 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chapel Hill | 255 | 50 | 5 | 756,642 |
| 2 | Hillsborough | 13 | 1 | 1 | 432,414 |
| 3 | Efland | 11 | 1 | 1 | 43,657 |
| 4 | Carrboro | 7 | 1 | 1 | 86,346 |
Violation Trend
Year-by-year EPA violations across water systems in Orange County:
| Year | Total | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 | 10 |
| 2024 | 34 | 34 |
| 2025 | 21 | 21 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 46 | 8 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 44 | 7 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 38 | 7 | No |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 30 | 5 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 23 | 7 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 21 | 6 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 19 | 8 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 16 | 6 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 | 5 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 | 5 | No |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in Orange County receives a safety score from 0-100 based on EPA compliance data. Scores factor in the number and severity of violations, with health-based violations weighted more heavily than monitoring failures. Resolved violations (where the system returned to compliance) receive reduced weight in the scoring.
The county-level grade (B) represents the average across all 9 ZIP codes. Individual ZIP codes may vary significantly — a county with a B grade may contain both A-rated and D-rated areas.
Water Systems in Orange County
Orange County is served by 18 community water systems, averaging 2.0 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in Orange County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in Orange County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water system data including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 90 enforcement actions against water systems in Orange County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Orange County, NC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Orange County
Water quality varies across Orange County's 9 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27515 | Chapel Hill | B | 76 | 51 | 10 | View → |
| 27599 | Chapel Hill | B | 75 | 51 | 10 | View → |
| 27516 | Chapel Hill | B | 71 | 51 | 10 | View → |
| 27517 | Chapel Hill | C | 66 | 51 | 10 | View → |
| 27514 | Chapel Hill | C | 61 | 51 | 10 | View → |
| 27278 | Hillsborough | B | 81 | 13 | 1 | View → |
| 27243 | Efland | A | 91 | 11 | 1 | View → |
| 27510 | Carrboro | A | 86 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 27231 | Cedar Grove | B | 73 | 0 | 0 | View → |
What are EPA health violations?
Health-based violations mean a contaminant was detected above the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) — the legal limit designed to protect human health. Orange County has 53 such violations. Not all violations cause illness, but repeated exceedances increase risk, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals.
What is a water quality grade?
ZipCheckup grades water systems from A to F based on EPA violation history, contaminant levels, and system compliance. Grade A means few or no violations; Grade F indicates persistent or serious issues. Orange County's overall grade is B.
Not sure if your water needs a filter?
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Orange County, North Carolina?
Orange County has 18 community water systems with 286 recorded EPA violations, including 53 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does Orange County have?
Orange County has 286 total EPA violations across 9 ZIP codes. 53 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in Orange County has the most water violations?
Chapel Hill has the most violations in Orange County with 255 recorded EPA violations across 5 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in Orange County water?
Orange County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in Orange County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).