Is Brunswick, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81/100
waterverge.com Brunswick, NC — Water Quality Report
Brunswick's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 695 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 104 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brunswick's water
Brunswick ranks #136 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Brunswick 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, Brunswick may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brunswick, NC water safe to drink?
Brunswick's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 695 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brunswick
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brunswick's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4568). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brunswick's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brunswick's water system has 104 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 18 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbus County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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 Brunswick's water come from?
Brunswick's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 695 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Brunswick residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brunswick'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.
Brunswick'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 Brunswick
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brunswick, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CAMPBELL OIL & GAS CO. WHITEVILLE, NC28472 | — | — | 2.2 mi |
MAXPRO MANUFACTURING WHITEVILLE, NC28472 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtColumbus 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
Columbus County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brunswick compares by contaminant
Explore where Brunswick ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brunswick's water comes from
Brunswick'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 695 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Brunswick
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRUNSWICK, TOWN OF | NC0424040 | 495 | GW |
| SPAULDING INTERPRISES INC | GA1270156 | 119 | GW |
| DUTCHESS FOREST S/D | NC0424102 | 81 | GW |
How Brunswick compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Brunswick's score of 81/100 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 Brunswick, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brunswick's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbus
Frequently asked questions
Is Brunswick, NC tap water safe to drink?
Brunswick's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #136 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Brunswick's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 104 violations are on record.
How is Brunswick'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 Brunswick?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brunswick's water come from?
Brunswick's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 695 residents.
What health violations has Brunswick's water system had?
Brunswick has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Brunswick's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brunswick 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 104 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 Brunswick's water compare to other cities?
Brunswick ranks #136 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 67% of state cities) and #7645 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.