Is Red Oak, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Red Oak tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 2 of 2 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFOS. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Red Oak Get Its Water?
Water in Red Oak, NC is provided by 3 public water systems: CENTRAL NASH WATER & SEWER, NASHVILLE, TOWN OF and ROCKY MOUNT, CITY OF.
How Is Red Oak Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using calcium hypochlorite and free chlorine. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), groundwater disinfection and slow sand filtration.
What's in Red Oak Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Red Oak public water systems. 2 of 2 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 0.2 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 2 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| PFOA | 0.0069 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFHxS | 0.018 µg/L | — | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Red Oak
Based on EPA monitoring data, 2 of 2 ZIP codes in Red Oak have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Filters for PFAS Water Profile
PFAS compounds are detected in this water supply. A reverse osmosis (RO) system or an activated-carbon filter specifically certified under NSF/ANSI P473 is required for reliable PFAS reduction. Standard pitcher and faucet filters without P473 certification do not remove PFAS.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Red Oak Tap Water
Is Red Oak tap water safe to drink?
Red Oak tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 2 of 2 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Red Oak tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Red Oak water systems include: PFOS, PFOA, lithium. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Red Oak get its drinking water?
Red Oak receives water from 3 public water systems, including CENTRAL NASH WATER & SEWER.
Do I need a water filter in Red Oak?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Red Oak tap water tested?
Public water systems in Red Oak are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-03-12.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Red Oak
- 27809 - Township 7, Swift Creek, Red Oak tap water report Higher concern
- 27856 - Sun Valley, Red Oak tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Red Oak, NC
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- CENTRAL NASH WATER & SEWERAction advised
- EDGECOMBE WATER & SEWER DISTRICTAction advised
Also covers / overlaps with
- Battleboro, NC · Community
- Castalia, NC · Township
- Coopers, NC · Township
- Dortches, NC
- Griffins, NC · Township
- Mannings, NC · Township
- Momeyer, NC
- Nashville, NC
- Rocky Mount, NC
- South Whitakers, NC · Township
- Township 7, Swift Creek, NC · Township