Is Wentworth, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.1/100
waterverge.com Wentworth, NC — Water Quality Report
Wentworth's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 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 56 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wentworth's water
Wentworth ranks #246 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, Wentworth may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wentworth, NC water safe to drink?
Wentworth's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wentworth
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wentworth's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.1/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Wentworth's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wentworth's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rockingham 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, Smith River.
Where does Wentworth's water come from?
Wentworth's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 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), Smith River (river).
What Wentworth residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wentworth'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.
Wentworth'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 Wentworth
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wentworth, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LOPAREX INC EDEN, NC27288 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
EDEN CUSTOM PROCESSING LLC EDEN, NC27288 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
DYSTAR LP REIDSVILLE, NC27320 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
HENNIGES AUTOMOTIVE NORTH CAROLINA INC REIDSVILLE, NC27320 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
CLEAN HARBORS REIDSVILLE LLC REIDSVILLE, NC27320 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRockingham 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
Rockingham 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.
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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2025)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Wentworth compares by contaminant
Explore where Wentworth ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wentworth's water comes from
Wentworth'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wentworth
Wentworth is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Wentworth
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 158 CORRIDOR | NC0279050 | 1,500 | SWP |
How Wentworth compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Wentworth's score of 68.1/100 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 Wentworth, NC
Wikipedia →Wentworth is a town in and the county seat of Rockingham County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,646 at the 2020 census. Wentworth is part of the Greensboro-High Point metropolitan area of the Piedmont Triad.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wentworth's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Wentworth, NC tap water safe to drink?
Wentworth's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #246 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Wentworth's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.
How is Wentworth'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 Wentworth?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wentworth's water come from?
Wentworth's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Wentworth's water system had?
Wentworth has 15 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. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wentworth's water compare to other cities?
Wentworth ranks #246 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 41% of state cities) and #11126 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wentworth's small water system affect quality?
Wentworth's system serves approximately 1,500 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 56 violations on record.