C
62

Fair Water Quality

Fayetteville, NC 28306

Cumberland County · Population served: 231,045 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC WORKS COMM
Surface water · Pop. 215,590
PWSID: NC0326010
🌊
BROOKWOOD COMM WTR SYSTEM
Groundwater · Pop. 15,380
PWSID: NC0326127
🌊
401 MOBILE HOME PARK
Groundwater · Pop. 75
PWSID: NC0347102

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
1.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Passed

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

17 detected 6 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBS63.3 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFOS33.3 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOA27.5 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFHxS25.6 ppt10 ppt10 pptExceeded
PFOS21.8 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA21.5 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxS19.1 ppt10 ppt10 pptExceeded
PFHxA18.2 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

6Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
4Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Fayetteville

Tap water quality in Fayetteville, North Carolina (28306) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 62 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 10 points below the North Carolina state average of 72. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 231,045 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Notably, 6 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals.

Your Score 62/100 C
vs State 10 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 13 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 62/100 indicates fair water quality in Fayetteville, 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
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

Tap water in Fayetteville, North Carolina receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 62/100. 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 28306 is served by 3 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 231,045 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 — 17 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 received 6 violations in the last 5 years. 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.

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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