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Wilmington Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Wilmington tap water is generally safe, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 22.5 ppm (1.3 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 35 violations recorded over the past 3 years.

B

Generally Safe

Minor compliance issues

1.3 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

0.17ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Soft water

22.5ppm
0100300+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

35total

All administrative/monitoring

View EPA report →

Is Wilmington Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Wilmington tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.

  • •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
  • •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
  • •35 monitoring/reporting violations (administrative issues like missed testing deadlines or late reports).
  • •While not directly health-related, frequent administrative violations may indicate operational issues with the water utility.
  • •We recommend testing your water at home for complete peace of mind.

The data below shows test results from 9 water utilities serving 212K people in the Wilmington area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.

How Hard is Wilmington Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

22.5 ppm

1.3 grains per gallon

Soft

Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.

Impact on Your Home

Shower

Great for skin & hair

Kitchen

No water spots

Laundry

Clothes stay soft

Appliances

No scale buildup

Regional Comparison

Wilmington
22.5
North Carolina
45
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Based on 40 water samples from Bladen County.

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Wilmington tap water.

Test Your WaterSee top-rated kits →

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Wilmington

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

0.17 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Wilmington lead levels are well within safe limits.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2025-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Active Violations

Administrative issues pending

Current violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.

3-Year Violation Summary

35

Total Violations

0

Health-Related

35

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Wilmington

Who Provides Wilmington's Water?

Utility Name

CFPUA-WILMINGTON

EPA System ID (PWSID)

NC0465010

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

212K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Wilmington tap water quality

Wilmington tap water is generally safe to drink with minor compliance issues. While there may be some monitoring violations, there are no significant health-based concerns. The water meets EPA safety standards.
Wilmington has soft water with a hardness of 22.5 ppm (1.3 grains per gallon). Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Lead levels (0.17 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Wilmington's tap water is provided by CFPUA-WILMINGTON. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is NC0465010. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Wilmington.
Wilmington's water utility has had 35 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 0 were health-based and 35 were monitoring/reporting related.
Wilmington's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a safe and common practice required by the EPA. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Wilmington's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by CFPUA-WILMINGTON.

Nearby Cities in North Carolina

Charlotte

Soft water

Raleigh

Soft water

Clemmons

Soft water

Durham

Soft water

Greensboro

Soft water

Fayetteville

Soft water

View all North Carolina cities

This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology