B
84

Good Water Quality

Morehead City, NC 28557

Carteret County · Population served: 9,515 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🌊
MOREHEAD CITY, TOWN OF
Groundwater · Pop. 9,420
PWSID: NC0416015
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BALLOU MHP
Groundwater · Pop. 95
PWSID: NC0416101

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

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

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Morehead City

Tap water quality in Morehead City, North Carolina (28557) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 84 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 12 points above the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 9,515 people, using groundwater sources. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 5 violations, including 1 health-based violations.

Your Score 84/100 B
vs State 12 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 9 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 84/100 means the water in Morehead City, NC is generally good and meets EPA standards, with only minor areas of concern. There may be low levels of detectable contaminants or a small number of non-critical violations. Most residents can feel comfortable with their tap water quality, though basic filtration can provide an extra layer of protection.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Morehead City, North Carolina receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 84/100. 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 28557 is served by 2 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 9,515 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 28557. 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.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Morehead City, North Carolina during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Morehead City, North Carolina have received 5 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.

Water in Morehead City, North Carolina shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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