Water Quality in Castle Hayne, NC: 13 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 67/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Castle Hayne'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
Looking at EPA compliance data for Castle Hayne, NC, the record shows 13 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Castle Hayne
Water quality varies across Castle Hayne's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28429 | C | 67 | 13 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Castle Hayne, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 67 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Castle Hayne have accumulated 13 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 439 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Castle Hayne'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 Castle Hayne water systems is 0.0120 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 44% of homes built before 1986, Castle Hayne 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.
Water Systems Serving Castle Hayne
Castle Hayne is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 439 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 Castle Hayne. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Castle Hayne
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 Castle Hayne Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Castle Hayne's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Castle Hayne. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-13 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-08-01 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-01 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-11-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-04-11 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-11.
Castle Hayne vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Castle Hayne's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Hayne | C | 13 | 5 | 439 |
| Cove City | A | 0 | 1 | 440 |
| Jamesville | A | 1 | 1 | 440 |
| Sims | A | 3 | 1 | 440 |
Common Questions About Castle Hayne Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Castle Hayne, North Carolina:
Is Castle Hayne water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Castle Hayne's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Castle Hayne tap water? Castle Hayne's water receives a grade of C (67/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Castle Hayne? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Castle Hayne vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Castle Hayne 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 Castle Hayne.
ZIP Codes in Castle Hayne
Castle Hayne spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 28429. 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.