C59/100
Wilmington Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 204,040 residents · North Carolina
What's In Wilmington's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 220.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
1,4-dioxane | 0.380 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CFPUA-WILMINGTON
Population Served
198,740
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0465010
CFPUA - WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH
Population Served
5,300
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0465020
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilmington Water
Is Wilmington tap water safe to drink?
Wilmington, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (59/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 32 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Wilmington's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in Wilmington's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), chlorate, 1,4-dioxane. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Wilmington have any water quality violations?
Yes, Wilmington has 32 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include RPT, TT, Other. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Wilmington?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Wilmington is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Wilmington's tap water come from?
Wilmington's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CFPUA-WILMINGTON and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 204,040 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Wilmington's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Wilmington's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Wilmington's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Wilmington's water quality score of 59/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Wilmington's water quality?
If you have concerns about Wilmington's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CFPUA-WILMINGTON) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.