Is Walnut Cove, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 65 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Walnut Cove, NC — Water Quality Report
Walnut Cove's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,210 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 760 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 65 remain unresolved.
What to know about Walnut Cove's water
Walnut Cove ranks #349 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Walnut Cove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 97 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Walnut Cove, NC water safe to drink?
Walnut Cove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,210 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Walnut Cove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Walnut Cove's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Walnut Cove's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Walnut Cove's water system has 760 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 65 remain unresolved. 97 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stokes County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include Dan River.
Where does Walnut Cove's water come from?
Walnut Cove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,210 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Dan River (river).
What Walnut Cove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Walnut Cove'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Walnut Cove'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 Walnut Cove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Walnut Cove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8,882 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS LLC - BELEWS CREEK STEAM STATION WALNUT COVE, NC27052 | Manganese compounds | 7,868 | 4.2 mi |
WIELAND COPPER PRODUCTS LLC PINE HALL, NC27042 | Copper | 1,014 | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtStokes 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
Stokes County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Walnut Cove'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. | 6.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 6.2 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Walnut Cove compares by contaminant
Explore where Walnut Cove ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Walnut Cove's water comes from
Walnut Cove'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 2,210 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Walnut Cove
Walnut Cove 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 Walnut Cove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WALNUT COVE, TOWN OF | NC0285015 | 2,210 | SWP |
How Walnut Cove compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Walnut Cove's score of 45/100 is on par with the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Walnut Cove, NC
Wikipedia →Walnut Cove is a town in Stokes County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,536 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Walnut Cove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stokes
Frequently asked questions
Is Walnut Cove, NC tap water safe to drink?
Walnut Cove's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #349 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Walnut Cove's water?
Lead was measured at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile). 760 violations are on record.
How is Walnut Cove'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 Walnut Cove?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Walnut Cove's water come from?
Walnut Cove's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,210 residents.
What health violations has Walnut Cove's water system had?
Walnut Cove has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 65 violations remain unresolved.
How does Walnut Cove's water compare to other cities?
Walnut Cove ranks #349 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 16% of state cities) and #14281 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Walnut Cove's small water system affect quality?
Walnut Cove's system serves approximately 2,210 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 760 violations on record.