Is Stedman, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84/100
waterverge.com Stedman, NC — Water Quality Report
Stedman's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,801 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 50 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stedman's water
Stedman ranks #92 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.
As a small community water system, Stedman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stedman, NC water safe to drink?
Stedman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,801 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Stedman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stedman's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stedman's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Stedman's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cumberland County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Stedman's water come from?
Stedman's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,801 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Stedman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stedman'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.
Stedman'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 Stedman
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stedman, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 40,705 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALPEK POLYESTER USA LLC FAYETTEVILLE, NC28312 | Ethylene glycol | 40,144 | 5.3 mi |
HEXION INC-FAYETTEVILLE FACILITY FAYETTEVILLE, NC28301 | Methanol | 560 | 9.3 mi |
OLDCASTLE PRECAST INC FAYETTEVILLE, NC28301 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 1 | 4.8 mi |
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC - FAYETTEVILLE FACILITY FAYETTEVILLE, NC28301 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
CARGILL INC FAYETTEVILLE, NC28312 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Stedman
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.
- CAROLINA TRANSFORMER CO8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCumberland 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
Cumberland County has experienced 10 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 Stedman compares by contaminant
Explore where Stedman ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stedman's water comes from
Stedman'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 1,801 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Stedman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEDMAN, TOWN OF | NC0326030 | 1,705 | SWP |
| BLAWELL S/D | NC0326118 | 96 | SWP |
How Stedman compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Stedman's score of 84/100 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 Stedman, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stedman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cumberland
Frequently asked questions
Is Stedman, NC tap water safe to drink?
Stedman's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #92 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Stedman's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Stedman'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 Stedman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stedman's water come from?
Stedman's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,801 residents.
What health violations has Stedman's water system had?
Stedman has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
How does Stedman's water compare to other cities?
Stedman ranks #92 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 78% of state cities) and #6152 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.