Is Lake Waccamaw, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Lake Waccamaw, NC — Water Quality Report
Lake Waccamaw's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,572 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 24 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lake Waccamaw's water
Lake Waccamaw ranks #162 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lake Waccamaw 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.
As a small community water system, Lake Waccamaw may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lake Waccamaw, NC water safe to drink?
Lake Waccamaw's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,572 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lake Waccamaw
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lake Waccamaw's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4568). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lake Waccamaw's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lake Waccamaw's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbus County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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 Lake Waccamaw's water come from?
Lake Waccamaw's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,572 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lake Waccamaw residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lake Waccamaw'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.
Lake Waccamaw'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtColumbus 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
Columbus County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lake Waccamaw compares by contaminant
Explore where Lake Waccamaw ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lake Waccamaw's water comes from
Lake Waccamaw'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 2,572 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Lake Waccamaw
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE WACCAMAW, TOWN OF | NC0424045 | 2,572 | GW |
How Lake Waccamaw compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Lake Waccamaw's score of 79.1/100 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 Lake Waccamaw, NC
Wikipedia →Lake Waccamaw is a town in Columbus County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,296 at the 2020 census. Originally home to Native Americans, Europeans later colonized Lake Waccamaw in the 18th century. The Europeans built naval stores and the discovery of turpentine oil led to the Wilmington-Manchester railroad track being created. A shingle company was later converted to a lumber company. In 1910, a group of townspeople created the Waccamaw Club.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lake Waccamaw's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbus
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Waccamaw, NC tap water safe to drink?
Lake Waccamaw's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #162 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Lake Waccamaw's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Lake Waccamaw'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 Lake Waccamaw?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lake Waccamaw's water come from?
Lake Waccamaw's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,572 residents.
What health violations has Lake Waccamaw's water system had?
Lake Waccamaw has 4 health-based violations 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. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lake Waccamaw's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lake Waccamaw 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 24 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 Lake Waccamaw's water compare to other cities?
Lake Waccamaw ranks #162 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 61% of state cities) and #8376 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lake Waccamaw's small water system affect quality?
Lake Waccamaw's system serves approximately 2,572 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 24 violations on record.