Is Newton Grove, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Newton Grove, NC — Water Quality Report
Newton Grove's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 913 residents using groundwater.
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 24 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newton Grove's water
Newton Grove ranks #64 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Newton Grove 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, Newton Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newton Grove, NC water safe to drink?
Newton Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 913 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Newton Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newton Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Newton Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newton Grove's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sampson County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Newton Grove's water come from?
Newton Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 913 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Newton Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newton Grove'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.
Newton Grove'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
D2 — severe droughtSampson County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Sampson County has experienced 10 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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Newton Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Newton Grove ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newton Grove's water comes from
Newton Grove'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 913 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Newton Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWTON GROVE, TOWN OF | NC0382035 | 913 | GW |
How Newton Grove compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Newton Grove's score of 86.2/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Newton Grove, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newton Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sampson
Frequently asked questions
Is Newton Grove, NC tap water safe to drink?
Newton Grove's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #64 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Newton Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Newton Grove'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 Newton Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newton Grove's water come from?
Newton Grove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 913 residents.
Is Newton Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Newton Grove 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 Newton Grove's water compare to other cities?
Newton Grove ranks #64 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 85% of state cities) and #4882 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Newton Grove's small water system affect quality?
Newton Grove's system serves approximately 913 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.