D
41

Poor Water Quality

Pittsboro, NC 27312

Chatham County · Population served: 29,432 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🌊
SLEEPY CREEK MHP (WELLS 3,4,5)
Groundwater · Pop. 84
PWSID: NC0235137
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PITTSBORO, TOWN OF
Surface water · Pop. 6,060
PWSID: NC0319015
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CHATHAM CO-NORTH
Surface water · Pop. 23,088
PWSID: NC0319126
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THE TRAILS S/D
Groundwater · Pop. 200
PWSID: NC0368182

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
66.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Exceeded

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

5 detected All below limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBA12.4 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFPeA11.6 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA5.7 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFPeA4.8 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA4.6 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

24Total (5yr)
2Health-Based
7Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Pittsboro

Tap water quality in Pittsboro, North Carolina (27312) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 41 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 31 points below the North Carolina state average of 72. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 4 water systems providing water to approximately 29,432 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. PFAS testing detected 5 compounds, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 24 violations, including 2 health-based violations.

Your Score 41/100 D
vs State 31 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 34 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 41/100 signals poor water quality in Pittsboro, NC. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Pittsboro, North Carolina receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 41/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.

ZIP code 27312 is served by 4 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 29,432 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Yes — lead levels in Pittsboro, North Carolina are 66.0 ppb, which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This is a serious concern. We strongly recommend using a certified lead-removal filter for all drinking and cooking water, and having your water independently tested.

5 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Pittsboro, North Carolina, but all are currently below EPA limits. While levels are within regulatory standards, some health organizations recommend minimizing any PFAS exposure. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS levels.

Water systems serving Pittsboro, North Carolina have received 24 violations in the last 5 years, including 2 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Pittsboro, North Carolina should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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