WaterVerge

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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NC0498025
Overall Score
89.2 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#24 of 417 in North Carolina Top 19% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.2/100
waterverge.com
A- 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.2 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.2/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Stantonsburg, NC water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

8
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Stantonsburg

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stantonsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.2/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE IAN

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE ISAIAS

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stantonsburg's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Stantonsburg's water system has 94 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Apr 2017 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2014 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2014 TTHM Resolved
May 2009 Public Notice Open

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.

HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3586
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA DR-3534
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3423

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stantonsburg's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

94
Total violations
1
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Jul 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

94 Total
8 Active
1 Health-based
86 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Inorganic Chemicals
24
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
7
Total Coliform Rule
4
Nitrate Rule
4
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
May 2009 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2008 Active
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Mar 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 1993 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2014 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2014
Jan 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2014
Jan 2007 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2006 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2006
Jan 2006 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2006
Aug 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2004
Jul 2004 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2004
Apr 2004 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2004
Apr 2004 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2004
Apr 2004 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2004
Apr 2004 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2004
Showing 20 of 94 violations
Industrial pollution

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.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
ALLIANCE ONE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS LLC
Tobacco · PYXUS INTERNATIONAL INC
WILSON, NC27893
8.3 mi
LINAMAR FORGING CAROLINA
Fabricated Metals · LINAMAR HOLDING NEVADA INC
WILSON, NC27893
7.4 mi
ALLIANCE ONE N.A. LLC
Tobacco · PYXUS INTERNATIONAL INC
WILSON, NC27893
7.3 mi
ERGON ASPHALT & EMULSIONS INC. - WILSON
Petroleum · ERGON INC
WILSON, NC27893
8.1 mi
RINKER WILSON PIPE
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · QUIKRETE HOLDINGS
WILSON, NC27893
8.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Wilson 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
15.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Oct 2022
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

Oct 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3586
Aug 2020
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA #3534
Sep 2019
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA #3423
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #4393
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3401
Oct 2016
HURRICANE MATTHEW
Hurricane FEMA #4285

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.0 ppb from 2007 (6.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,393
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Stantonsburg's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Contentnea Creek Nr Black Creek
river
Nahunta Swamp
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Stantonsburg

System Name PWSID Population Source
STANTONSBURG, TOWN OF NC0498025 1,393 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Stantonsburg (this city)
89.2
Charlotte
36.5
Raleigh
30.7
Durham
36.6
Greensboro
33.5
North Carolina avg
43
City Profile

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.

Economic Profile
$55,938
Median Income
$110,688
Median Home Value
$703/mo
Median Rent
5.9%
Unemployment
Community
49
Median Age
415
People / sq mi
16.6%
College Educated
72.9%
Homeownership
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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.