C
57

Fair Water Quality

Rocky Mount, NC 27803

Nash County · Population served: 63,566 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
ROCKY MOUNT, CITY OF
Surface water · Pop. 55,891
PWSID: NC0464010
🏔
CENTRAL NASH WATER & SEWER
Surface water · Pop. 7,675
PWSID: NC4064005

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

5 detected 4 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFOS10.2 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOS9.4 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOA8.6 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOA6.3 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFBA6.2 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

16Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
8Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Rocky Mount

Tap water quality in Rocky Mount, North Carolina (27803) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 57 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 15 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 2 water systems providing water to approximately 63,566 people, using surface water sources. Notably, 4 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. The area has 16 violations over the past 5 years, though none were classified as health-based.

Your Score 57/100 C
vs State 15 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 18 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 57/100 indicates fair water quality in Rocky Mount, NC. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Rocky Mount, North Carolina receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 57/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.

ZIP code 27803 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 63,566 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 27803. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.

Yes — 5 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and 4 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Rocky Mount, North Carolina have received 16 violations in the last 5 years. 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 (PFAS), residents in Rocky Mount, 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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