B
80

Good Water Quality

Wilkesboro, NC 28697

Wilkes County · Population served: 19,671 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
WEST WILKES WTR ASSOCIATION INC
Surface water · Pop. 12,573
PWSID: NC0197020
🏔
WILKESBORO, TOWN OF
Surface water · Pop. 3,643
PWSID: NC0197025
🏔
MORAVIAN FALLS WATER SYSTEM
Surface water · Pop. 3,455
PWSID: NC0197040

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

1 detected All below limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
6:2 FTS8.2 pptNo standardUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

11Total (5yr)
3Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Wilkesboro

Tap water quality in Wilkesboro, North Carolina (28697) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 80 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 8 points above the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 19,671 people, using surface water sources. PFAS testing detected 1 compound, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 11 violations, including 3 health-based violations.

Your Score 80/100 B
vs State 8 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 5 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 80/100 means the water in Wilkesboro, 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.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Wilkesboro, North Carolina receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 80/100. 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 28697 is served by 3 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 19,671 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 28697. 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 Wilkesboro, 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 Wilkesboro, North Carolina have received 11 violations in the last 5 years, including 3 health-based violations. 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 Wilkesboro, 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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