Is Whitsett, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 113 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
Whitsett, NC — Water Quality Report
Whitsett's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 669 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 786 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 113 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whitsett's water
Whitsett ranks #324 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Whitsett 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, Whitsett may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whitsett, NC water safe to drink?
Whitsett's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 669 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Whitsett
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whitsett's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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 Whitsett's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Whitsett's water system has 786 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 113 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Randolph County has experienced 9 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 Deep River.
Where does Whitsett's water come from?
Whitsett's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 669 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Deep River (river).
What Whitsett residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Whitsett'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.
Whitsett'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 Whitsett
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Whitsett, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADAMS AN OLDCASTLE CO-GREENSBORO GREENSBORO, NC27405 | Lead | 0 | 7.9 mi |
HYDRO EXTRUSION USA LLC BURLINGTON, NC27215 | Lead | 0 | 7.2 mi |
BURLINGTON FINISHING PLANT BURLINGTON, NC27217 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
APOLLO CHEMICAL BURLINGTON, NC27215 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
HUFFMAN OIL CO INC BURLINGTON, NC27217 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGuilford 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
Randolph County has experienced 9 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 trend (90th percentile)
See how Whitsett compares by contaminant
Explore where Whitsett ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whitsett's water comes from
Whitsett'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 669 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Whitsett
Whitsett is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Whitsett
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCK CREEK MH VILLAGE NO 2 | NC0241216 | 305 | GW |
| ROCK CREEK MH VILLAGE | NC0241139 | 275 | GW |
| TOWN OF WHITSETT | NC3041089 | 89 | SWP |
How Whitsett compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Whitsett's score of 50/100 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 Whitsett, NC
Wikipedia →Franklinville is a town in Randolph County, North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Franklinville had a population of 1,197.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whitsett's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Guilford
Frequently asked questions
Is Whitsett, NC tap water safe to drink?
Whitsett's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #324 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Whitsett's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 786 violations are on record.
How is Whitsett'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 Whitsett?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whitsett's water come from?
Whitsett's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 669 residents.
What health violations has Whitsett's water system had?
Whitsett has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 113 violations remain unresolved.
Is Whitsett's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Whitsett 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 786 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 Whitsett's water compare to other cities?
Whitsett ranks #324 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 22% of state cities) and #13182 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.