Is Bald Head Island, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.1/100
waterverge.com Bald Head Island, NC — Water Quality Report
Bald Head Island's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,291 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 35 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bald Head Island's water
Bald Head Island ranks #114 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.
As a small community water system, Bald Head Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bald Head Island, NC water safe to drink?
Bald Head Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,291 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bald Head Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bald Head Island's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4568). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bald Head Island's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bald Head Island's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Brunswick County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Bald Head Island's water come from?
Bald Head Island's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,291 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Bald Head Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bald Head Island'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.
Bald Head Island'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 Bald Head Island
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bald Head Island, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4,862 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADM SOUTHPORT SOUTHPORT, NC28461 | Ammonia | 4,862 | 5.6 mi |
S&W SOUTHPORT SOUTHPORT, NC28461 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBrunswick County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 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
Brunswick County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bald Head Island's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.800 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bald Head Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Bald Head Island ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bald Head Island's water comes from
Bald Head Island'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 3,291 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bald Head Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE VILLAGE OF BALD HEAD ISLAND | NC0410130 | 3,291 | SWP |
How Bald Head Island compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Bald Head Island's score of 82.1/100 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 Bald Head Island, NC
Wikipedia →Bald Head Island, historically known as Smith Island, is a village located on the east side of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. Compared to the nearby city of Wilmington to the north, the village of Bald Head Island is small and somewhat remote. Despite its name, Bald Head Island is not an island. The historical Corncake Inlet that separated it from Kure Beach, filled in after Hurricane Floyd in 1999, and has remained closed ever since. It is accessible by ferry from the nearby town of Southport and by four-wheel drive vehicle along the beach strand from Fort Fisher to the north. Only government officials are allowed to drive the beach strand route. There are few cars on the island; instead, residents drive modified electric golf carts. Bald Head Island is nationally recognized for its sea turtle nesting activity.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bald Head Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brunswick
Frequently asked questions
Is Bald Head Island, NC tap water safe to drink?
Bald Head Island's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #114 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Bald Head Island's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Bald Head Island'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 Bald Head Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bald Head Island's water come from?
Bald Head Island's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,291 residents.
What health violations has Bald Head Island's water system had?
Bald Head Island has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bald Head Island's water compare to other cities?
Bald Head Island ranks #114 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 73% of state cities) and #7161 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bald Head Island's small water system affect quality?
Bald Head Island's system serves approximately 3,291 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 35 violations on record.