Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideStatus: Normal Operations

ZIP Code 28304 Water Quality & Testing Report

Fayetteville, NC · Cumberland County County · Updated for 2026

Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 28304 (Fayetteville, NC)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 28304 (Fayetteville, NC) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Fayetteville Public Works Commission, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (84/100) with 1 health violations, 1.0 ppb lead, and moderately hard (62 mg/L / 3.6 GPG) water.

Safety Score

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

Total Violations

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 1 unresolved violation. Contact Fayetteville Public Works Commission for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 28304

Tap water in ZIP code 28304 (Fayetteville, NC) is distributed by Fayetteville Public Works Commission (EPA ID: NC0326010), serving approximately 215,590 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 84/100.

Water System

Fayetteville Public Works Commission

EPA ID: NC0326010

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

215,590 residents

County

Cumberland County County, North Carolina

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Lead Levels in ZIP 28304

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 1.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 28304 is 1.0 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 28304 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 39% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)

1.00 ppb (0.001 mg/L)

Lead Exposure Risk Rating

Moderate

Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

39%

Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.

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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Moderately Hard3.6 GPG · 62 mg/L

Water in ZIP 28304 is Moderately Hard (62 mg/L / 3.6 GPG). It contains beneficial natural minerals like calcium and magnesium without causing heavy scale accumulation.

Recommendation: A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.

Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

3.6 GPG

Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

62 mg/L

Appliance Scaling Risk

Low / Moderate

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Fayetteville Public Works Commission · PWSID: NC0326010

Verify on EPA.gov

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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Fayetteville Public Works Commission has recorded 1 health-based violation out of 11 total violations over the past 5 years. 1 violation remains unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)

Health-Based Violations

Unresolved Violations

Boil Water Advisories

Compliance Risk

Critical

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 2 DBP Rule.

Stage 2 DBP Rule

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type

Surface Water

CCR Source Classification

Surface Water and Ground Water

EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3

Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

2.65%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 28304

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 28304 served by Fayetteville Public Works Commission can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

•Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
•Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
•Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in NC for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 28304 Recommendations

✓

Your water quality is good

Your water meets all EPA health standards. Standard precautions are sufficient for most residents.

✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Fayetteville Public Works Commission
✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

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NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 28304 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 28304?+

Yes — tap water in 28304 (Fayetteville, NC) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.

How do I get my water tested in ZIP 28304 (Fayetteville, NC)?+

To test water quality in ZIP 28304, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in NC. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for a list of certified regional labs.

How hard is the tap water in 28304?+

Tap water in 28304 is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 62 mg/L (3.6 GPG). A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.

Should I test private well water in 28304?+

Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 28304 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.

What is the lead level in 28304 tap water?+

The 90th percentile lead level in 28304 is 1.0 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.

Is there an active boil water notice in 28304?+

There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 28304. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.

Who provides tap water to 28304?+

Tap water in ZIP code 28304 is provided by Fayetteville Public Works Commission (EPA ID: NC0326010), serving approximately 215,590 residents.

What water filter should I use in 28304?+

Based on water metrics for 28304, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Chemical Contaminants), NSF/ANSI 42 (Aesthetic Effects).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 28304 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Fayetteville Public Works Commission. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →