Is East Arcadia, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 38 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
64.9/100
waterverge.com East Arcadia, NC — Water Quality Report
East Arcadia's drinking water received a grade of C (64.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 633 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 137 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Arcadia's water
East Arcadia ranks #264 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
East Arcadia 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, East Arcadia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Arcadia, NC water safe to drink?
East Arcadia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 633 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Arcadia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Arcadia's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.9/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Arcadia's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
East Arcadia's water system has 137 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does East Arcadia's water come from?
East Arcadia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 633 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What East Arcadia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Arcadia'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 East Arcadia
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Arcadia, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 495,893 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INTERNATIONAL PAPER RIEGELWOOD MILL RIEGELWOOD, NC28456 | Methanol | 495,769 | 6.6 mi |
BAKELITE SYNTHETICS RIEGELWOOD, NC28456 | Formaldehyde | 99 | 8.0 mi |
ENTEGRIS INC. RIEGELWOOD, NC28456 | n-Hexane | 24 | 8.0 mi |
WEST FRASER ARMOUR LUMBER MILL RIEGELWOOD, NC28456 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of East Arcadia
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.
- WRIGHT CHEMICAL CORPORATION7.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtBladen 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in East Arcadia's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Arcadia compares by contaminant
Explore where East Arcadia ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Arcadia's water comes from
East Arcadia'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 633 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving East Arcadia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST ARCADIA, TOWN OF | NC0309050 | 633 | GW |
How East Arcadia compares
Full North Carolina rankings →East Arcadia's score of 64.9/100 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 East Arcadia, NC
Wikipedia →The second campaign of the Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role premiered on January 11, 2018—four months after the conclusion of the first campaign—and concluded on June 3, 2021. The series starred Travis Willingham, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Sam Riegel, Liam O'Brien, and Laura Bailey as the players with Matthew Mercer as the Dungeon Master.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Arcadia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bladen
Frequently asked questions
Is East Arcadia, NC tap water safe to drink?
East Arcadia's water quality earned a grade of C (64.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #264 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in East Arcadia's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 137 violations are on record.
How is East Arcadia'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 East Arcadia?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Arcadia's water come from?
East Arcadia's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 633 residents.
What health violations has East Arcadia's water system had?
East Arcadia has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Arcadia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Arcadia 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 137 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 East Arcadia's water compare to other cities?
East Arcadia ranks #264 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 37% of state cities) and #11609 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Arcadia's small water system affect quality?
East Arcadia's system serves approximately 633 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 137 violations on record.