Is Wendell, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 108 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Wendell, NC — Water Quality Report
Wendell's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,747 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 465 violations on record, including 70 health-based violations. 108 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wendell's water
Wendell ranks #332 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Wendell 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, Wendell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 44 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wendell, NC water safe to drink?
Wendell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 1,747 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wendell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wendell's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Wendell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wendell's water system has 465 total violations on record, including 70 health-based violations. 108 remain unresolved. 44 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wake County has experienced 7 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 Bond Lake, Coles Branch Reservoir, Hatchers Grove Reservoir, Page Lake, Sorrells Grove Reservoir.
Where does Wendell's water come from?
Wendell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 1,747 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bond Lake (lake), Coles Branch Reservoir (lake), Hatchers Grove Reservoir (lake), Page Lake (lake), Sorrells Grove Reservoir (lake).
What Wendell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wendell'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.
Wendell'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 Wendell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wendell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CATERPILLAR INC CLAYTON NC CLAYTON, NC27527 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
ARGOS KNIGHTDALE CONCRETE PLANT KNIGHTDALE, NC27545 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
SUNROCK INDUSTRIES LLC - EASTERN WAKE ZEBULON, NC27597 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWake 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
Wake County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Wendell compares by contaminant
Explore where Wendell ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wendell's water comes from
Wendell'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,747 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Wendell
Wendell is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wendell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAYLEE VILLAGE | NC0392133 | 465 | GW |
| DEERHURST MHC | NC0392082 | 432 | GW |
| HUNTDELL S/D | NC4392146 | 150 | GW |
| STEWARTS RIDGE S/D | NC0392400 | 125 | GW |
| DAVIS TOWN MHP | NC0392122 | 119 | GW |
| WOOD TRACE S/D | NC4392148 | 117 | GW |
| SETTLERS CREEK S/D | NC4392152 | 112 | GW |
| EAGLEWOOD FARMS S/D | NC0392394 | 102 | GW |
| EDGEMONT MHP | NC0392127 | 63 | GW |
| PLEASANT HILL MOBILE ESTATES | NC0392228 | 62 | GW |
How Wendell compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Wendell's score of 47/100 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 Wendell, NC
Wikipedia →Cary is a town in Wake, Chatham, and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina and is part of the Raleigh-Cary, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2020 census, its population was 174,721, making it the seventh-most populous municipality in North Carolina, and the 146th-most populous in the United States. In 2023, the town's population had increased to 180,010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wendell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wake
Frequently asked questions
Is Wendell, NC tap water safe to drink?
Wendell's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #332 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Wendell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 465 violations are on record.
How is Wendell'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 Wendell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wendell's water come from?
Wendell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 1,747 residents.
What health violations has Wendell's water system had?
Wendell has 70 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 108 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wendell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wendell 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 465 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 Wendell's water compare to other cities?
Wendell ranks #332 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 20% of state cities) and #13760 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.