Oxford's City Water and Sewer Department supplies treated Kerr Lake water and maintains the sewer lines, while Granville County handles building permits for the city. Plumber Durham connects callers with independent plumbers and is not a plumbing company. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Oxford.

Plumbing services in Oxford
About Oxford
Oxford has been incorporated since 1816 and is the seat of Granville County. It lies about 29 miles northeast of downtown Durham in a straight line, along I-85 (exits 202, 204 and 206), with US 15 running through town as Lewis, Hillsboro and College streets and a US 158 bypass around it. The 2020 Census counted 8,628 residents, while the 27565 ZIP reaches well into the countryside. The Oxford Historic District and the Granville County Courthouse anchor a walkable downtown.
Kerr Lake water
The City's Water/Sewer division provides drinking water, maintains water and sewer lines and reads, repairs and replaces water meters. The water itself comes from John H. Kerr Reservoir and is treated at the Kerr Lake Regional Water System plant, which Oxford co-owns with Henderson and Warren County. WFAE reported in 2025 that the plant is being expanded from 10 to 20 million gallons a day, doubling Oxford's allocation. Back in June 2017, pump failures at that plant cut service across the region and put Oxford under emergency conservation and a boil-water advisory, according to ABC11. The City posts its annual water quality report on its State Reports page.
Sewer and grease
Oxford operates its own wastewater treatment plant, posts annual sanitary sewer overflow reports, and runs a fats, oils and grease (FOG) program. For homeowners, the practical point is simple: grease poured down a kitchen drain cools and builds up in pipes, both yours and the City's. Restaurants and food businesses deal with the FOG program directly.
Housing age
The median home in Oxford was built in 1976, and about 56% predate 1980, with close to 17% older than 1940. Durham's median, by comparison, is 1995. That older mix shows up in the work: worn valves, original drain lines, cast iron stacks in the historic houses, and water heaters squeezed into spaces never meant for them.
Permits and gas
Granville County's permit guidance lists the City of Oxford among the jurisdictions it handles, with the City handling zoning. County Inspections is on Williamsboro Street in Oxford. Enbridge Gas North Carolina serves Granville County, but service depends on the street. A gas smell means getting out of the house and calling 911 or Enbridge at 1-877-776-2427 once you are outside.
Making the call
Tell us what is happening, whether the water is off, and roughly where in Oxford you are. You will be connected with an independent plumber who works in the area and quotes the job with you directly.
Common questions in Oxford
Who provides water and sewer in Oxford?
Who issues building and plumbing permits in Oxford?
Why are older pipes common in Oxford homes?
What is Oxford's FOG program?
Nearby cities and towns
Sources
- Wikipedia: Oxford, North Carolina
- US Census QuickFacts: Oxford city
- City of Oxford: Public Works
- City of Henderson: Kerr Lake Regional Water System
- WFAE: Oxford funding for water plant expansion (2025)
- ABC11: Water emergency in Franklin, Granville, Vance counties (2017)
- City of Oxford: State reports
- City of Oxford: Permits, applications and forms
- Point2Homes: Oxford demographics (housing age)
- Point2Homes: Durham demographics (housing age)
- Granville County: Steps for a residential remodel building permit
- Granville County Inspections: FAQs
- Enbridge Gas North Carolina: Assistance agencies by county
- Enbridge Gas North Carolina: Contact us and emergency line
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