D
53

Poor Water Quality

La Grange, NC 28551

Lenoir County · Population served: 78,690 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🌊
CARDINAL CARE OF HOPE MILLS
Groundwater · Pop. 28
PWSID: NC0326776
🏔
GREENE CO REGIONAL WATER SYST
Surface water · Pop. 11,026
PWSID: NC0440106
🌊
LA GRANGE WATER SYSTEM
Groundwater · Pop. 3,167
PWSID: NC0454015
🏔
NORTH LENOIR WATER CORP
Surface water · Pop. 15,494
PWSID: NC0454025
🌊
FORK TOWNSHIP SANITARY DISTRICT
Groundwater · Pop. 9,572
PWSID: NC0496060

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

9 detected 3 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFOS10.1 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFBA8.4 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFBA7.7 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFPeA7.2 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFHxA6.8 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFHxS6.8 ppt10 ppt10 pptBelow limit
PFOA6.0 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFBS4.8 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

22Total (5yr)
1Health-Based
13Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in La Grange

Tap water quality in La Grange, North Carolina (28551) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 53 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 19 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 7 water systems providing water to approximately 78,690 people, using surface water and groundwater 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 22 violations, including 1 health-based violations.

Your Score 53/100 D
vs State 19 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 22 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 53/100 signals poor water quality in La Grange, NC. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

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

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in La Grange, North Carolina receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 53/100. 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 28551 is served by 7 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 78,690 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 28551. 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 La Grange, 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 La Grange, North Carolina have received 22 violations in the last 5 years, including 1 health-based violation. 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 La Grange, 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.

Explore Nearby

Water Quality in Nearby ZIP Codes