Water Quality in Bessemer City, NC: 18 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 56/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Bessemer City's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Bessemer City, NC surfaces 18 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Bessemer City
Water quality varies across Bessemer City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28016 | C | 56 | 18 | 7 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Bessemer City.
Water Quality Overview
Bessemer City, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 56 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Bessemer City have accumulated 18 EPA violations, including 7 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 6,234 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Bessemer City's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Bessemer City water systems is 0.0016 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 61% of homes built before 1986, Bessemer City has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Bessemer City is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Bessemer City
Bessemer City is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 6,234 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Bessemer City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Bessemer City
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Bessemer City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Bessemer City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 9 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Bessemer City:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2022 to 2 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Bessemer City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-30 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-30 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-01-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-17 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-12-17 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-12-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-02.
Bessemer City vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Bessemer City's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bessemer City | C | 18 | 3 | 6,234 |
| Stanley | B | 8 | 5 | 6,248 |
| Cashiers | B | 15 | 5 | 6,275 |
| Crouse | D | 0 | 1 | 6,353 |
Common Questions About Bessemer City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Bessemer City, North Carolina:
Is Bessemer City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Bessemer City's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Bessemer City tap water? Bessemer City's water receives a grade of C (56/100). There are 7 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Bessemer City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Bessemer City vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Bessemer City compares to the broader North Carolina average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Bessemer City.
ZIP Codes in Bessemer City
Bessemer City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 28016. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.