The Town of Hillsborough released a statement stating that town water customers who have received water testing kits in the mail should be aware that the kits were sent from a private company that is unaffiliated with the town.
According to the statement, the Hillsborough Water Treatment Plant routinely tests the town’s drinking water for more than 150 contaminants in compliance with federal and state laws.
The statement also states that the town’s two lab-certified operators perform daily bacterial checks at the plant, plant employees conduct 24-hour monitoring and evaluation of the town’s water, 15 bacteriological samples from the water system are collected monthly and the town’s utilities inspector collects five samples a week to maintain disinfection levels.
Hillsborough town water customers who decide to install a whole house filter from a private company should note that these filters prevent the town from performing water quality tests at the home, are considered secondary water treatments by the state and EPA, and do not provide data on Hillsborough water quality.
The statement says that customers who have water issues or no filtration system on their plumbing should contact the town who will check the property’s water lines and conduct bacteriological tests at no cost.
Additionally, the NC Department of Environmental Quality provides a listing of certified water laboratories if customers still want to pay for outside testing.
The town issues a water quality report for the previous year every summer.
The most recent report can be found on the town’s website.
Related Stories
‹

Despite Restored Water Operations, Town of Hillsborough Faces Extensive Costs From FloodingWhile the Town of Hillsborough ended its conservation call for water and sewer customers after flooding damaged and contaminated its treatment plants, the road back to normal operations appears to be long for the small town. Historic rain from Tropical Depression Chantal led to flooding levels not seen for decades in Orange County, with parts […]

Hillsborough Repairs Water, Wastewater Treatment Plants; Residents No Longer Asked To ConserveThe Town of Hillsborough lifted the boil water notice for residents on Wednesday afternoon — but still warned against using much water.

Hillsborough Under Boil Water Notice, OWASA Responds to Chapel Hill Wastewater OverflowsFlooding from the Eno River led to the Town of Hillsborough issuing a boil water notice for water and sewer customers until further notice.

Discolored Water is Still Safe, Says Town of HillsboroughWater in the town of Hillsborough is still safe to drink and use despite temporary discoloration. According to the town, recent storm bursts and low flow in the Eno River likely caused unusually high sediment levels in raw water reaching the treatment plant. Rain stirs up sediment in the town’s water sources, such as the […]

Hillsborough's Annual Water Quality Report Finds No ViolationsThe Town of Hillsborough published its 2019 Annual Water Quality Report and said it found no violations in its treatment over the year. In a release shared by the town government on Friday, Hillsborough revealed it treated roughly 584 million gallons of drinking water over the year and found no violations for the 150 substances […]

Upcoming Hillsborough Plan to Expand Affordable Housing Options and Address Affordability IssuesThe Town of Hillsborough is in the early stages of developing a strategy for expanding and preserving its affordable housing options.

What's Open or Closed on Labor Day? Holiday to Impact Local Government ServicesMonday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, Sep. 7, […]
![]()
Hillsborough: An Early Look at the Town's Affordable Housing Strategy (Aug. 25, 2026)Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Tuesday, August 25.

Hillsborough Boil Water Advisory Lifted on Monday Following Water Main BreakAffected residents should boil water for drinking, cooking or brushing teeth as a precaution.

Could An Orange County Railroad Become A Public Trail? Ongoing Study Seeks Answers, Community FeedbackThe J Branch Rail Trail Feasibility Study is underway, as Orange County's local entities hear the community's vision for the rail corridor.
›