A
90

Excellent Water Quality

Hays, NC 28635

Wilkes County · Population served: 8,486 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
BLUE RIDGE WATER ASSOCIATION
Surface water · Pop. 8,486
PWSID: NC0197030

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

1 detected All below limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBS3.7 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

2Total (5yr)
1Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Hays

Tap water quality in Hays, North Carolina (28635) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 90 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 18 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 Blue Ridge Water Association, a surface water system providing water to approximately 8,486 people. PFAS testing detected 1 compound, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 2 violations, including 1 health-based violations.

Your Score 90/100 A
vs State 18 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 15 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 90/100 means the water supply in Hays, 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 Hays, North Carolina receives a grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 90/100. 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 28635 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 8,486 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 28635. 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 Hays, 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 Hays, North Carolina have received 2 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 Hays, 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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