C
63

Fair Water Quality

Catawba, NC 28609

Catawba County · Population served: 33,754 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
NEWTON, CITY OF
Surface water · Pop. 18,407
PWSID: NC0118015
🏔
CONOVER, CITY OF
Surface water · Pop. 15,347
PWSID: NC0118020

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

1 detected All below limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFHxA3.3 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

136Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
131Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Catawba

Tap water quality in Catawba, North Carolina (28609) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 63 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 9 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 33,754 people, using surface water sources. PFAS testing detected 1 compound, all currently below EPA limits. The area has 136 violations over the past 5 years, though none were classified as health-based.

Your Score 63/100 C
vs State 9 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 12 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 63/100 indicates fair water quality in Catawba, NC. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Catawba, North Carolina receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 63/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.

ZIP code 28609 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 33,754 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 28609. 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.

1 PFAS compound were detected in water serving Catawba, North Carolina, but all are currently below EPA limits. While levels are within regulatory standards, some health organizations recommend minimizing any PFAS exposure. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS levels.

Water systems serving Catawba, North Carolina have received 136 violations in the last 5 years. 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 Catawba, 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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