B
83

Good Water Quality

White Oak, NC 28399

Bladen County · Population served: 4,310 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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BLADEN CO WTR DIST-EAST BLADEN
Groundwater · Pop. 4,310
PWSID: NC0309060

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
6.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

1 detected 1 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
GenX (HFPO-DA)13.6 ppt10 ppt10 pptExceeded

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in White Oak

Tap water quality in White Oak, North Carolina (28399) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 83 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 11 points above the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by Bladen Co Wtr Dist-East Bladen, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 4,310 people. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 1 PFAS compound exceeds EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. The area has a clean violation record over the past 5 years — a positive indicator of consistent water quality management.

Your Score 83/100 B
vs State 11 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 8 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 83/100 means the water in White Oak, NC is generally good and meets EPA standards, with only minor areas of concern. There may be low levels of detectable contaminants or a small number of non-critical violations. Most residents can feel comfortable with their tap water quality, though basic filtration can provide an extra layer of protection.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

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Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in White Oak, North Carolina receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 83/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 28399 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 4,310 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.

Lead was detected at 6.0 ppb in White Oak, North Carolina. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

Yes — 1 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving White Oak, North Carolina, and 1 exceeds EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving White Oak, North Carolina have zero violations in the last 5 years. This is a positive indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and water quality management.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in White Oak, North Carolina should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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