Failing Water Quality
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 6.9 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Exceeded |
| 6:2 FTS | 6.6 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
| PFOA | 5.7 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Exceeded |
| PFOS | 4.9 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Exceeded |
| PFOS | 4.7 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Exceeded |
| PFOA | 4.4 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Exceeded |
| PFPeA | 4.4 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
| PFPeA | 4.1 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Rockingham, North Carolina (28379) receives an overall grade of F (Failing) with a score of 30 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 42 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 45,532 people, using surface water sources. Notably, 5 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 66 violations, including 51 health-based violations.
A score of 30/100 indicates serious water quality failures in Rockingham, 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.
Common Questions
Tap water in Rockingham, North Carolina receives a grade of F (Failing) with a score of 30/100. 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 28379 is served by 3 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 45,532 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 28379. 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 — 13 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Rockingham, North Carolina, and 5 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 Rockingham, North Carolina have received 66 violations in the last 5 years, including 51 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 Rockingham, 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.