WaterVerge

Is Boonville, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NC0299020
Overall Score
67.5 / 100
Violations
14 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#251 of 417 in North Carolina Top 71% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
67.5/100
waterverge.com
C+ 67.5/100

Boonville, NC — Water Quality Report

Boonville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,007 residents using groundwater.

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 46 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Boonville's water

Boonville ranks #251 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Boonville relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Boonville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
67.5 out of 100 Grade C+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
20.5/45
D
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Boonville, NC water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Boonville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,007 residents using groundwater (wells).

14
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Boonville

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Boonville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.5/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
21 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: p-Dichlorobenzene, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, Carbon tetrachloride.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Nitrate.

Disaster
HURRICANE IAN

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE ISAIAS

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Boonville's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Boonville's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTRPTMROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Jan 2024 p-Dichlorobenzene Resolved
Jan 2024 1,1-Dichloroethylene Resolved
Jan 2024 Carbon tetrachloride Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Yadkin County has experienced 7 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 Yadkin River.

HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3586
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA DR-3534
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3423

Where does Boonville's water come from?

Boonville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,007 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yadkin River (river).

What Boonville residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Boonville's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Boonville'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

46
Total violations
2
Health-based
14
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

46 Total
14 Active
2 Health-based
32 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
21
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
4
Total Coliform Rule
4
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
3
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jan 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2010 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2009 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2007 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2007 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2003 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2024 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jan 2024 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Showing 20 of 46 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Boonville

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Boonville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS LLC - ELKIN FEEDMILL
Food · CONTINENTAL GRAIN CO
ELKIN, NC28621
4.8 mi
PERDUE FOODS INC - ELKIN FEED MILL
Food · PERDUE FARMS INC
ELKIN, NC28621
4.3 mi
WEYERHAEUSER NR CO-ELKIN PLANT
Wood Products · WEYERHAEUSER CO
ELKIN, NC28621
4.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Boonville

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Yadkin 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
20.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Oct 2022
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Yadkin County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3586
Aug 2020
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA #3534
Sep 2019
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA #3423
Jan 2019
TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #4412
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3401
Oct 2016
HURRICANE MATTHEW
Hurricane FEMA #3380

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 2016 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,007
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Boonville's water comes from

Groundwater

Boonville's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,007 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Boonville

Boonville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Yadkin River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Boonville

System Name PWSID Population Source
BOONVILLE, TOWN OF NC0299020 2,007 GW
Regional Comparison

How Boonville compares

Full North Carolina rankings →

Boonville's score of 67.5/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Boonville (this city)
67.5
Charlotte
36.5
Raleigh
30.7
Durham
36.6
Greensboro
33.5
North Carolina avg
43
City Profile

About Boonville, NC

Economic Profile
$59,408
Median Income
$155,739
Median Home Value
$677/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
36.9
Median Age
439
People / sq mi
17.1%
College Educated
64.9%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Boonville, NC tap water safe to drink?

Boonville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #251 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.

What contaminants are in Boonville's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.

How is Boonville'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 Boonville?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Boonville's water come from?

Boonville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,007 residents.

What health violations has Boonville's water system had?

Boonville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.

Is Boonville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Boonville uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 46 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Boonville's water compare to other cities?

Boonville ranks #251 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 40% of state cities) and #11229 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Boonville's small water system affect quality?

Boonville's system serves approximately 2,007 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 46 violations on record.