C
69

Fair Water Quality

Old Fort, NC 28762

Mcdowell County · Population served: 1,700 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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OLD FORT, TOWN OF
Groundwater · Pop. 1,700
PWSID: NC0156025

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

1 detected All below limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFBS5.1 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

10Total (5yr)
1Health-Based
8Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Old Fort

Tap water quality in Old Fort, North Carolina (28762) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 69 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by Old Fort, Town Of, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 1,700 people. PFAS testing detected 1 compound, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 10 violations, including 1 health-based violations.

Your Score 69/100 C
vs State 3 pts below North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 6 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 69/100 indicates fair water quality in Old Fort, 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.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Old Fort, North Carolina receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 69/100. 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 28762 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 1,700 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 28762. 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 Old Fort, 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 Old Fort, North Carolina have received 10 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 Old Fort, 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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