Is Dunn, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Dunn ranks. What to do next ↓
95/100
waterverge.com Dunn, NC — Water Quality Report
Dunn's drinking water received a grade of A+ (95 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,725 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Dunn's water
Dunn ranks #4 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dunn, NC water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Dunn's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,725 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Dunn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dunn's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Dunn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dunn's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sampson County has experienced 10 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 Dunn's water come from?
Dunn's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,725 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Dunn residents can do
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.
Dunn'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 Dunn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dunn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADAMS AN OLDCASTLE CO-DUNN DUNN, NC28334 | Lead | 0 | 3.3 mi |
BRAINERD LLC DUNN, NC28334 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
WARREN OIL CO LLC - DUNN NC DUNN, NC28334 | — | — | 1.7 mi |
CONCRETE PIPE & PRECAST LLC-DUNN PRECAST PLANT DUNN, NC28334 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSampson County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Sampson County has experienced 10 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 Dunn compares by contaminant
Explore where Dunn ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dunn's water comes from
Dunn'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 3,725 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Dunn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAMPSON CO WTR DIST II - PLAINVIEW | NC5082022 | 3,725 | SWP |
How Dunn compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Dunn's score of 95/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Dunn, NC
Wikipedia →Clinton is a city in and the county seat of Sampson County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,383. Clinton is named for Richard Clinton, a Brigadier General of the North Carolina militia in the American Revolution.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dunn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sampson
Frequently asked questions
Is Dunn, NC tap water safe to drink?
Dunn's water quality earned a grade of A+ (95/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #4 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Dunn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Dunn'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 Dunn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dunn's water come from?
Dunn's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,725 residents.
How does Dunn's water compare to other cities?
Dunn ranks #4 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 99% of state cities) and #381 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.