Is Polkton, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.5/100
waterverge.com Polkton, NC — Water Quality Report
Polkton's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 905 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 42 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Polkton's water
Polkton ranks #72 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 55.4 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, Polkton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Polkton, NC water safe to drink?
Polkton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 905 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Polkton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Polkton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Polkton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Elevated disinfection byproduct levels. These form when chlorine interacts with organic matter during water treatment.
Violation history
Polkton's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Anson County has experienced 9 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 Rocky River.
Where does Polkton's water come from?
Polkton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 905 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rocky River (river).
What Polkton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Polkton'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.
Polkton'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 Polkton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Polkton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TRIANGLE BRICK-WADESBORO WADESBORO, NC28170 | Lead compounds | 0 | 6.3 mi |
EDWARDS WOOD PRODUCTS INC. MARSHVILLE, NC28103 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
EDWARDS WOOD PRODUCTS INC. PEACHLAND, NC28133 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
QUIKRETE - CHARLOTTE NC PLANT PEACHLAND, NC28133 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC - WADESBORO FACILITY WADESBORO, NC28170 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAnson 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
Anson County has experienced 9 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 Polkton compares by contaminant
Explore where Polkton ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Polkton's water comes from
Polkton'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 905 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Polkton
Polkton 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 Polkton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLKTON WATER SYSTEM | NC0304030 | 838 | SWP |
| POLKTON - SOUTH | NC5004002 | 67 | SWP |
How Polkton compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Polkton's score of 85.5/100 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 Polkton, NC
Wikipedia →Polkton is a town in Anson County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 2,250, down from 3,375 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Polkton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Anson
Frequently asked questions
Is Polkton, NC tap water safe to drink?
Polkton's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #72 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Polkton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 42 violations are on record.
How is Polkton'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 Polkton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Polkton's water come from?
Polkton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 905 residents.
How does Polkton's water compare to other cities?
Polkton ranks #72 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 83% of state cities) and #5308 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.