Is East Bend, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 57 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53.7/100
waterverge.com East Bend, NC — Water Quality Report
East Bend's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 2,189 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 257 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Bend's water
East Bend ranks #310 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average 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, East Bend 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 Bend, NC water safe to drink?
East Bend's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 2,189 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for East Bend
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Bend's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 East Bend's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Bend's water system has 257 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 12 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 Little Yadkin River, Yadkin River.
Where does East Bend's water come from?
East Bend's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 2,189 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Yadkin River (river), Yadkin River (river).
What East Bend residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Bend'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.
East Bend'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 East Bend
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Bend, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CRES TOBACCO CO INC KING, NC27021 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
R J REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO TVILL TOBACCOVILLE, NC27050 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 East Bend compares by contaminant
Explore where East Bend ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Bend's water comes from
East Bend'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 2,189 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near East Bend
East Bend is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving East Bend
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST BEND, TOWN OF | NC0299025 | 1,466 | SWP |
| MILL CREEK S/D | NC0299116 | 194 | GW |
| COPPERFIELD/RESTON WOODS | NC0299110 | 170 | GW |
| C W MOBILE HOME PARK | NC0299112 | 97 | GW |
| YADKIN COUNTY - EAST BEND | NC3099034 | 97 | SWP |
| V P MOBILE HOME PARK | NC0299118 | 91 | GW |
| RIVERPOINTE S/D | NC0299111 | 74 | GW |
How East Bend compares
Full North Carolina rankings →East Bend's score of 53.7/100 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 Bend, NC
Wikipedia →East Bend is a town in northeastern Yadkin County, North Carolina, United States. The population is 634 at the 2020 census. It is a Piedmont Triad community.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Bend's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yadkin
Frequently asked questions
Is East Bend, NC tap water safe to drink?
East Bend's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #310 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in East Bend's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 257 violations are on record.
How is East Bend'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 Bend?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Bend's water come from?
East Bend's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 2,189 residents.
What health violations has East Bend's water system had?
East Bend has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 57 violations remain unresolved.
How does East Bend's water compare to other cities?
East Bend ranks #310 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 26% of state cities) and #12664 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.