Moore County, North Carolina: drinking water report. Moore County – Pinehurst and Southern Pines – serves about 100,000 residents in the Sandhills region.
Moore County – Pinehurst and Southern Pines – serves about 100,000 residents in the Sandhills region. Moore County Public Utilities draws from a mix of surface water and groundwater. The Sandhills region sits on sandy soils with rapid percolation, making groundwater vulnerable to surface contamination.
Moore County's sandy Sandhills geology means contamination can reach groundwater quickly. UCMR5 data shows low-level PFAS detections in some county systems. Fort Liberty lies to the east, and Camp Mackall, a satellite training facility, is within the county – adding potential military PFAS sources.
According to NC DEQ's 2024 data, county systems met federal standards. The golf resort economy (Moore County hosts more golf courses per capita than almost anywhere in the US) means herbicide and fertilizer use on turf is intensive, contributing to groundwater nutrient loading.
Moore County's permeable geology makes groundwater protection especially important.
Check your water for data in your area. Reverse osmosis handles PFAS and nitrate. Our water filter guide covers options. Pull your detailed report, and visit our North Carolina page for statewide data.