Is Stovall, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
60.6/100
waterverge.com Stovall, NC — Water Quality Report
Stovall's drinking water received a grade of C (60.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 558 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 266 violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stovall's water
Stovall ranks #285 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, Stovall may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stovall, NC water safe to drink?
Stovall's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 558 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Stovall
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stovall's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stovall's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Stovall's water system has 266 total violations on record, including 30 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Granville County has experienced 8 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 Island Creek Reservoir.
Where does Stovall's water come from?
Stovall's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 558 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Island Creek Reservoir (lake).
What Stovall residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stovall'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.
Stovall'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 Stovall
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stovall, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REVLON CONSUMER PRODUCTS CORP OXFORD, NC27565 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
J P TAYLOR CO LLC OXFORD, NC27565 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Stovall
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.
- JFD ELECTRONICS CHANNEL MASTER10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGranville 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
Granville County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Stovall's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.63 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stovall compares by contaminant
Explore where Stovall ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stovall's water comes from
Stovall'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 558 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Stovall
Stovall 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 Stovall
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STOVALL, TOWN OF | NC0239018 | 450 | SWP |
| MOUNTAIN CREEK WATER SYSTEM | NC0239121 | 55 | GW |
| GRANVILLE PINES MHP | NC0239124 | 53 | GW |
How Stovall compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Stovall's score of 60.6/100 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 Stovall, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stovall's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Granville
Frequently asked questions
Is Stovall, NC tap water safe to drink?
Stovall's water quality earned a grade of C (60.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #285 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Stovall's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 266 violations are on record.
How is Stovall'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 Stovall?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stovall's water come from?
Stovall's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 558 residents.
What health violations has Stovall's water system had?
Stovall has 30 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. 24 violations remain unresolved.
How does Stovall's water compare to other cities?
Stovall ranks #285 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 32% of state cities) and #12074 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.