C
68

Fair Water Quality

Lowell, NC 28098

Gaston County · Population served: 3,837 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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LOWELL, CITY OF
Surface water · Pop. 3,837
PWSID: NC0136060

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

23Total (5yr)
1Health-Based
12Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Lowell

Tap water quality in Lowell, North Carolina (28098) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 68 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by Lowell, City Of, a surface water system providing water to approximately 3,837 people. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 23 violations, including 1 health-based violations.

Your Score 68/100 C
vs State 4 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 7 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 68/100 indicates fair water quality in Lowell, NC. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Lowell, North Carolina receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 68/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.

ZIP code 28098 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 3,837 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 28098. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Lowell, North Carolina during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Lowell, North Carolina have received 23 violations in the last 5 years, including 1 health-based violation. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Water in Lowell, North Carolina shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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