WaterVerge

Is Falcon, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

714 residents served 1 water system PWSID: NC0326035
Overall Score
84.4 / 100
Violations
10 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#86 of 417 in North Carolina Top 38% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84.4/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84.4/100

Falcon, NC — Water Quality Report

Falcon's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 714 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 35 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Falcon's water

Falcon ranks #86 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above 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, Falcon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84.4 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.4/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Falcon, NC water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Falcon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 714 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

10
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Falcon

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Falcon's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.4/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE IAN

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Disaster
HURRICANE ISAIAS

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 Falcon's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Falcon's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMON
Most recent violations:
Mar 2022 Public Notice Open
Dec 2021 Public Notice Open
Oct 2021 Public Notice Open
Sep 2021 Public Notice Open
Jul 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Cumberland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3586
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA DR-3534
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3423

Where does Falcon's water come from?

Falcon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 714 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Falcon residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Falcon's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Falcon'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

35
Total violations
0
Health-based
10
Active / unresolved
Mar 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

35 Total
10 Active
0 Health-based
25 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
4
Total Coliform Rule
4
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Mar 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2007 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Dec 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2021
Sep 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2020
Aug 2020 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2020
Jul 2020 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2020
Jan 2006 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2006
Jan 2006 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 2006
Sep 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2000
Apr 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2000
Feb 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 1997
Jun 1987 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1990
Showing 20 of 35 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Falcon

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Falcon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ADAMS AN OLDCASTLE CO-DUNN
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
DUNN, NC28334
Lead05.2 mi
BRAINERD LLC
Chemical Wholesalers · BRAINERD HOLDINGS CO
DUNN, NC28334
7.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Cumberland 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
21.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Oct 2022
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Cumberland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3586
Aug 2020
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA #3534
Sep 2019
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA #3423
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #4393
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3401
Oct 2016
HURRICANE MATTHEW
Hurricane FEMA #4285

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2025)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
714
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Falcon's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Falcon'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 714 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Falcon

System Name PWSID Population Source
FALCON WATER SYSTEM NC0326035 714 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Falcon compares

Full North Carolina rankings →

Falcon's score of 84.4/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Falcon (this city)
84.4
Charlotte
36.5
Raleigh
30.7
Durham
36.6
Greensboro
33.5
North Carolina avg
43
City Profile

About Falcon, NC

Wikipedia →

Falcon is a town in Cumberland and Sampson counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, Falcon had a population of 324.

Economic Profile
$71,786
Median Income
0%
Unemployment
Community
55.5
Median Age
51
People / sq mi
31%
College Educated
100%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Falcon, NC tap water safe to drink?

Falcon's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #86 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.

What contaminants are in Falcon's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.

How is Falcon'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 Falcon?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Falcon's water come from?

Falcon's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 714 residents.

How does Falcon's water compare to other cities?

Falcon ranks #86 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 79% of state cities) and #5939 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Falcon's small water system affect quality?

Falcon's system serves approximately 714 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 35 violations on record.