Is Dobson, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 20 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.7/100
waterverge.com Dobson, NC — Water Quality Report
Dobson's drinking water received a grade of B (77.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,689 residents using 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 95 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dobson's water
Dobson ranks #181 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, Dobson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dobson, NC water safe to drink?
Dobson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,689 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Dobson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dobson's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dobson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dobson's water system has 95 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 20 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Surry 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.
Where does Dobson's water come from?
Dobson's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,689 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Dobson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dobson'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.
Dobson'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 Dobson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dobson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 143,268 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS LLC - DOBSON FRESH PLANT DOBSON, NC27017 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 143,268 | 0.7 mi |
BARNHARDT MANUFACTURING CO NCFI POLYURETHANES DIV MOUNT AIRY, NC27030 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
CARPENTER CO. - MT. AIRY NC MOUNT AIRY, NC27030 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
ALTEC INDUSTRIES INC. - MOUNT AIRY FACILITY MOUNT AIRY, NC27030 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS LLC - ELKIN FEEDMILL ELKIN, NC28621 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSurry 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
Surry 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 Dobson compares by contaminant
Explore where Dobson ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dobson's water comes from
Dobson'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 2,689 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Dobson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOBSON, TOWN OF | NC0286030 | 2,615 | SW |
| SNOW HILL WATER SYSTEM | NC0286116 | 74 | GW |
How Dobson compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Dobson's score of 77.7/100 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 Dobson, NC
Wikipedia →Dobson is a town and the county seat in Dobson Township, Surry County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 1,396. Dobson is the home of the Shelton Vineyards, the largest winery in North Carolina. It is also home to a significant Latino population due to the large number of farms in the area. The main crops in the area are corn, tobacco and soy beans.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dobson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Surry
Frequently asked questions
Is Dobson, NC tap water safe to drink?
Dobson's water quality earned a grade of B (77.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #181 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Dobson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 95 violations are on record.
How is Dobson'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 Dobson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dobson's water come from?
Dobson's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,689 residents.
What health violations has Dobson's water system had?
Dobson has 1 health-based violation 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. 20 violations remain unresolved.
How does Dobson's water compare to other cities?
Dobson ranks #181 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 57% of state cities) and #8916 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.