Is Warsaw, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.6/100
waterverge.com Warsaw, NC — Water Quality Report
Warsaw's drinking water received a grade of B (76.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,298 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 144 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Warsaw's water
Warsaw ranks #193 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Warsaw 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.
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, Warsaw may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Warsaw, NC water safe to drink?
Warsaw's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,298 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Warsaw
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warsaw's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Warsaw'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
Warsaw's water system has 144 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Duplin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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 Warsaw's water come from?
Warsaw's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,298 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Warsaw residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Warsaw'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.
Warsaw'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 Warsaw
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Warsaw, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MURPHY-BROWN LLC WARSAW FEED MILL WARSAW, NC28398 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
BUTTERBALL TURKEY FEED MILL TURKEY, NC28393 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtDuplin County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Duplin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Warsaw'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Warsaw compares by contaminant
Explore where Warsaw ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Warsaw's water comes from
Warsaw'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 3,298 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Warsaw
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WARSAW, TOWN OF | NC0431015 | 3,108 | GW |
| SUBURBAN ACRES MHP | IN5243024 | 190 | GW |
How Warsaw compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Warsaw's score of 76.6/100 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 Warsaw, NC
Wikipedia →Warsaw is a town in Duplin County, North Carolina, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 2,733.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Warsaw's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Duplin
Frequently asked questions
Is Warsaw, NC tap water safe to drink?
Warsaw's water quality earned a grade of B (76.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #193 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Warsaw's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 144 violations are on record.
How is Warsaw'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 Warsaw?
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 Warsaw's water come from?
Warsaw's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,298 residents.
What health violations has Warsaw's water system had?
Warsaw has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Warsaw's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Warsaw 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 144 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 Warsaw's water compare to other cities?
Warsaw ranks #193 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 54% of state cities) and #9246 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.