Is Stanfield, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
56.1/100
waterverge.com Stanfield, NC — Water Quality Report
Stanfield's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,156 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 90 violations on record, including 63 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stanfield's water
Stanfield ranks #301 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below 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.
As a small community water system, Stanfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stanfield, NC water safe to drink?
Stanfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,156 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Stanfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stanfield's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.1/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Stanfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Stanfield's water system has 90 total violations on record, including 63 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 10 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 Rocky R Ab Irish Buffalo Cr Nr Rocky River.
Where does Stanfield's water come from?
Stanfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,156 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Rocky R Ab Irish Buffalo Cr Nr Rocky River (river).
What Stanfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stanfield'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.
Stanfield'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 Stanfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stanfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHARLOTTE PIPE & FOUNDRY CO OAKBORO, NC28129 | Lead | 7 | 5.1 mi |
CORNING INC MIDLAND, NC28107 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
INTERTAPE POLYMER GROUP MIDLAND, NC28107 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
CONCRETE PIPE & PRECAST LLC-OAKBORO PLANT OAKBORO, NC28129 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
STANLY ENGINEERED FASTENING STANFIELD, NC28163 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Stanfield
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- RAM LEATHER CARE SITE9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtStanly County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 20.1% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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 Stanfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Stanfield ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stanfield's water comes from
Stanfield'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 1,156 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Stanfield
Stanfield 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 Stanfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANFIELD #3-POLK FORD/RENEE FORD | NC2084008 | 854 | SWP |
| STANFIELD #1-BIGLICK RD | NC2084006 | 302 | SWP |
How Stanfield compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Stanfield's score of 56.1/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Stanfield, NC
Wikipedia →Stanfield is a town in Stanly County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Stanfield had a population of 1,585.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stanfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stanly
Frequently asked questions
Is Stanfield, NC tap water safe to drink?
Stanfield's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #301 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Stanfield's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 90 violations are on record.
How is Stanfield'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 Stanfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stanfield's water come from?
Stanfield's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,156 residents.
What health violations has Stanfield's water system had?
Stanfield has 63 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. 23 violations remain unresolved.
How does Stanfield's water compare to other cities?
Stanfield ranks #301 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 28% of state cities) and #12483 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.