D
40

Poor Water Quality

Nashville, NC 27856

Nash County · Population served: 16,069 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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NASHVILLE, TOWN OF
Surface water · Pop. 5,900
PWSID: NC0464020
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OAK LEVEL MHP
Groundwater · Pop. 99
PWSID: NC0464115
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CENTRAL NASH WATER & SEWER
Surface water · Pop. 7,675
PWSID: NC4064005
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NASH COUNTY WATER SYSTEM AREA 2
Surface water · Pop. 701
PWSID: NC4064010
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NORTHERN NASH WATER DISTRICT
Surface water · Pop. 1,694
PWSID: NC4064035

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

9 detected 5 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFOS490.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFHxS35.0 ppt10 ppt10 pptExceeded
PFOS10.2 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOA6.6 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOA6.3 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFBA6.2 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFHxA4.6 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFBS3.6 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

72Total (5yr)
5Health-Based
35Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Nashville

Tap water quality in Nashville, North Carolina (27856) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 40 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 32 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 5 water systems providing water to approximately 16,069 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Notably, 5 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 72 violations, including 5 health-based violations.

Your Score 40/100 D
vs State 32 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 35 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 40/100 signals poor water quality in Nashville, 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

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Nashville, North Carolina receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 40/100. 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 27856 is served by 5 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 16,069 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 27856. 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 — 9 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Nashville, North Carolina, and 5 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 Nashville, North Carolina have received 72 violations in the last 5 years, including 5 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 (PFAS), residents in Nashville, 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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