Is Stantonsburg, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.2/100
Stantonsburg, NC — Water Quality Report
Stantonsburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,393 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 94 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stantonsburg's water
Stantonsburg ranks #24 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Stantonsburg 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, Stantonsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stantonsburg, NC water safe to drink?
Stantonsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,393 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Stantonsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stantonsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).
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: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stantonsburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Stantonsburg's water system has 94 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Wilson 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. Local water sources include Contentnea Creek Nr Black Creek, Nahunta Swamp.
Where does Stantonsburg's water come from?
Stantonsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,393 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Contentnea Creek Nr Black Creek (river), Nahunta Swamp (river).
What Stantonsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stantonsburg'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.
Stantonsburg'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 Stantonsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stantonsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALLIANCE ONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS LLC WILSON, NC27893 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
LINAMAR FORGING CAROLINA WILSON, NC27893 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
ALLIANCE ONE N.A. LLC WILSON, NC27893 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
ERGON ASPHALT & EMULSIONS INC. - WILSON WILSON, NC27893 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
RINKER WILSON PIPE WILSON, NC27893 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWilson 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
Wilson 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Stantonsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Stantonsburg ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stantonsburg's water comes from
Stantonsburg'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 1,393 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Stantonsburg
Stantonsburg is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Stantonsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANTONSBURG, TOWN OF | NC0498025 | 1,393 | GW |
How Stantonsburg compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Stantonsburg's score of 89.2/100 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 Stantonsburg, NC
Wikipedia →Stantonsburg is a town in Wilson County, North Carolina, United States. It is named for James Stanton V. As of the 2020 census, Stantonsburg had a population of 762.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stantonsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wilson
Frequently asked questions
Is Stantonsburg, NC tap water safe to drink?
Stantonsburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #24 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Stantonsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 94 violations are on record.
How is Stantonsburg'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 Stantonsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stantonsburg's water come from?
Stantonsburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,393 residents.
What health violations has Stantonsburg's water system had?
Stantonsburg has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Stantonsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Stantonsburg 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 94 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 Stantonsburg's water compare to other cities?
Stantonsburg ranks #24 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 94% of state cities) and #2984 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Stantonsburg's small water system affect quality?
Stantonsburg's system serves approximately 1,393 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 94 violations on record.