F
33

Failing Water Quality

Hamlet, NC 28345

Richmond County · Population served: 33,022 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
HAMLET WATER SYSTEM
Surface water · Pop. 10,635
PWSID: NC0377010
🏔
RICHMOND COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
Surface water · Pop. 22,387
PWSID: NC0377109

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

8 detected 3 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFOS6.9 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
6:2 FTS6.6 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFOA5.7 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOS4.7 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA4.1 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxS3.8 ppt10 ppt10 pptBelow limit
PFHxA3.4 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFBS3.1 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

62Total (5yr)
49Health-Based
7Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Hamlet

Tap water quality in Hamlet, North Carolina (28345) receives an overall grade of F (Failing) with a score of 33 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 39 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 2 water systems providing water to approximately 33,022 people, using surface water sources. Notably, 3 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 62 violations, including 49 health-based violations.

Your Score 33/100 F
vs State 39 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 42 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade F Means

A score of 33/100 indicates serious water quality failures in Hamlet, NC. The water system has significant violations, contaminant exceedances, or enforcement actions. Residents should strongly consider using a certified water filtration system for drinking and cooking water, requesting their utility's latest test results, and potentially having their water independently tested.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Hamlet, North Carolina receives a grade of F (Failing) with a score of 33/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.

ZIP code 28345 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 33,022 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 28345. 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.

Yes — 8 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Hamlet, North Carolina, and 3 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 Hamlet, North Carolina have received 62 violations in the last 5 years, including 49 health-based violations. 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 Hamlet, 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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