Is Mayodan, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.5/100
waterverge.com Mayodan, NC — Water Quality Report
Mayodan's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,478 residents using 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 19 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mayodan's water
Mayodan ranks #127 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.17 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Mayodan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mayodan, NC water safe to drink?
Mayodan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,478 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mayodan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mayodan's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mayodan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mayodan's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rockingham County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include Dan River, Mayo River.
Where does Mayodan's water come from?
Mayodan's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,478 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Dan River (river), Mayo River (river).
What Mayodan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mayodan'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.
Mayodan'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 Mayodan
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mayodan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,015 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WIELAND COPPER PRODUCTS LLC PINE HALL, NC27042 | Copper | 1,014 | 7.0 mi |
STURM RUGER & CO INC MAYODAN, NC27027 | Copper | 1 | 1.5 mi |
PINE HALL BRICK CO INC MADISON, NC27025 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRockingham 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
Rockingham County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Mayodan compares by contaminant
Explore where Mayodan ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mayodan's water comes from
Mayodan'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 2,478 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mayodan
Mayodan 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 Mayodan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAYODAN, TOWN OF | NC0279025 | 2,478 | SW |
How Mayodan compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Mayodan's score of 81.5/100 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 Mayodan, NC
Wikipedia →Mayodan is a town in Rockingham County, North Carolina, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, Mayodan had a population of 2,418. It is a manufacturing site for Sturm, Ruger & Co., Bridgestone Aircraft Tire, and formerly General Tobacco until its closure in 2010. Washington Mills Company, later Tultex, operated a textile mill in Mayodan until 1999.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mayodan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Mayodan, NC tap water safe to drink?
Mayodan's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #127 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Mayodan's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Mayodan'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 Mayodan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mayodan's water come from?
Mayodan's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,478 residents.
What health violations has Mayodan's water system had?
Mayodan has 1 health-based violation 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Mayodan's water compare to other cities?
Mayodan ranks #127 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 70% of state cities) and #7447 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mayodan's small water system affect quality?
Mayodan's system serves approximately 2,478 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 19 violations on record.