Water Quality: Albemarle, NC
8 water systems • 35,925 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Albemarle is served by 8 public water systems with a combined service population of 35,925 people, and has 215 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 52 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Albemarle's violation count is 77% above the national average for North Carolina. Contaminants associated with violations include Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants Found
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Albemarle
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALBEMARLE, CITY OF | NC0184010 | Surface Water | 18,396 | 23 |
| STANLY CO-WEST STANLY DIST | NC0184035 | Surface Water | 9,939 | 28 |
| STANLY CO-AQUADALE DIST | NC0184143 | Surface Water | 3,632 | 34 |
| STANLY CO-PALESTINE-BADIN DIST | NC0184141 | Surface Water | 1,964 | 22 |
| STANLY CO-PINEY POINT DIST | NC0184144 | Surface Water | 1,013 | 45 |
| STANLY CO-MILLINGPORT DIST | NC2084005 | Surface Water | 709 | 17 |
| STANLY CO-BADIN RD DIST | NC0184142 | Surface Water | 140 | 27 |
| CANTON HEIGHTS MHP | NC0184135 | Groundwater | 132 | 19 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.