B
81

Good Water Quality

Fayetteville, NC 28301

Cumberland County · Population served: 280,893 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC WORKS COMM
Surface water · Pop. 215,590
PWSID: NC0326010
🌊
ROBESON COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
Groundwater · Pop. 65,303
PWSID: NC0378055

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
1.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Passed

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

19 detected 6 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
GenX (HFPO-DA)34.0 ppt10 ppt10 pptExceeded
PFOA30.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA29.0 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA25.0 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOS21.8 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA21.5 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxS19.1 ppt10 ppt10 pptExceeded
PFHxA18.2 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Fayetteville

Tap water quality in Fayetteville, North Carolina (28301) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 81 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 9 points above the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 280,893 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Notably, 6 PFAS compounds exceed 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 81/100 B
vs State 9 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 6 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 81/100 means the water in Fayetteville, 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.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

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 Fayetteville, North Carolina receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 81/100. 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 28301 is served by 2 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 280,893 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Lead levels in Fayetteville, North Carolina are 1.0 ppb, which is at or below the health guideline of 1 ppb. This is a positive result, though periodic testing is still recommended.

Yes — 19 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Fayetteville, North Carolina, and 6 exceed 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 Fayetteville, 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 (PFAS), residents in Fayetteville, 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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