A
88

Excellent Water Quality

Oak Island, NC 28465

Brunswick County · Population served: 26,924 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
OAK ISLAND, TOWN OF
Surface water · Pop. 26,924
PWSID: NC0410020

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

9 detected 2 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFOS12.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA12.0 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA9.5 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOA7.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFBA6.6 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFBS6.0 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
GenX (HFPO-DA)5.2 ppt10 ppt10 pptBelow limit
PFHxS5.1 ppt10 ppt10 pptBelow limit

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Oak Island

Tap water quality in Oak Island, North Carolina (28465) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 88 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 16 points above the North Carolina state average of 72. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by Oak Island, Town Of, a surface water system providing water to approximately 26,924 people. Notably, 2 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 88/100 A
vs State 16 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 13 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 88/100 means the water supply in Oak Island, NC meets or exceeds all EPA standards with minimal issues. Contaminant levels are well within safe limits, and the water system has maintained a strong compliance record. While no water supply is guaranteed perfect at the tap due to household plumbing, this is among the best-scoring areas in the country.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Oak Island, North Carolina receives a grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 88/100. 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 28465 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 26,924 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 28465. 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 — 9 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Oak Island, North Carolina, and 2 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 Oak Island, 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 Oak Island, 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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