Is New London, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com New London, NC — Water Quality Report
New London's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,743 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 51 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about New London's water
New London ranks #140 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.
As a small community water system, New London may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New London, NC water safe to drink?
New London's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,743 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New London
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New London's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New London's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New London's water system has 51 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stanly County has experienced 6 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 Mountain Creek.
Where does New London's water come from?
New London's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,743 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Mountain Creek (river).
What New London residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New London'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.
New London'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 New London
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New London, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 251 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FIBER COMPOSITES LLC NEW LONDON, NC28127 | Chromium compounds (except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 250 | 1.1 mi |
H W CULP LUMBER CO NEW LONDON, NC28127 | Lead | 1 | 1.5 mi |
PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS ALBEMARLE, NC28001 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
MCKENZIE SPORTS PRODUCTS LLC DBA MARTIN INDUSTRIES ALBEMARLE, NC28001 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
SCHULT RICHFIELD RICHFIELD, NC28137 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMontgomery 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
Stanly County has experienced 6 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 New London compares by contaminant
Explore where New London ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New London's water comes from
New London'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,743 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New London
New London is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving New London
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BADIN SHORES RESORT | NC0362120 | 2,743 | SWP |
How New London compares
Full North Carolina rankings →New London's score of 80.6/100 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 New London, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New London's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is New London, NC tap water safe to drink?
New London's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #140 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in New London's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.
How is New London'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 New London?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New London's water come from?
New London's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,743 residents.
What health violations has New London's water system had?
New London has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 26 violations remain unresolved.
How does New London's water compare to other cities?
New London ranks #140 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 66% of state cities) and #7782 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New London's small water system affect quality?
New London's system serves approximately 2,743 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 51 violations on record.