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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Boonville, NC water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Boonville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Boonville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: p-Dichlorobenzene, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, Carbon tetrachloride.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Boonville'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS LLC - ELKIN FEEDMILL ELKIN, NC28621 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
PERDUE FOODS INC - ELKIN FEED MILL ELKIN, NC28621 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
WEYERHAEUSER NR CO-ELKIN PLANT ELKIN, NC28621 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
- HOLCOMB CREOSOTE CO5.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtYadkin 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
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.
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 Boonville compares by contaminant
Explore where Boonville ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Boonville's water comes from
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.
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.
Water systems serving Boonville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOONVILLE, TOWN OF | NC0299020 | 2,007 | GW |
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.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Boonville, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Boonville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yadkin
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.