Is Aquadale, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Aquadale, NC — Water Quality Report
Aquadale's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,632 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 48 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Aquadale's water
Aquadale ranks #139 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Aquadale, NC water safe to drink?
Aquadale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,632 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Aquadale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Aquadale's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Aquadale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Aquadale's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stanly County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Little Mountain Creek, Pee Dee R.
Where does Aquadale's water come from?
Aquadale's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,632 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Mountain Creek (river), Pee Dee R (river).
What Aquadale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Aquadale's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Aquadale's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Aquadale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Aquadale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 18 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MICHELIN AIRCRAFT TIRE CO MICHELIN NORTH DIV NORWOOD, NC28128 | Zinc compounds | 11 | 3.5 mi |
CHARLOTTE PIPE & FOUNDRY CO OAKBORO, NC28129 | Lead | 7 | 6.7 mi |
PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS ALBEMARLE, NC28001 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
MCKENZIE SPORTS PRODUCTS LLC DBA MARTIN INDUSTRIES ALBEMARLE, NC28001 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
PERDUE AGRIBUSINESS LLC - ANSONVILLE NC ANIMAL NUTRITION ANSONVILLE, NC28007 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtStanly County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 20.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Stanly County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Aquadale compares by contaminant
Explore where Aquadale ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Aquadale's water comes from
Aquadale's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,632 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Aquadale
Aquadale is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Aquadale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANLY CO-AQUADALE DIST | NC0184143 | 3,632 | SWP |
How Aquadale compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Aquadale's score of 80.6/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Aquadale, NC
Wikipedia →Albemarle is a city in and the county seat of Stanly County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 16,432 in the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Aquadale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stanly
Frequently asked questions
Is Aquadale, NC tap water safe to drink?
Aquadale's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #139 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Aquadale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Aquadale's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Aquadale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Aquadale's water come from?
Aquadale's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,632 residents.
What health violations has Aquadale's water system had?
Aquadale has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Aquadale's water compare to other cities?
Aquadale ranks #139 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 67% of state cities) and #7778 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.