Water Quality in Garner, NC: 29 Violations - Grade D
Grade D · Score 49/100 · 10 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Garner's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Available EPA records for Garner, NC: 29 water compliance violations tied to local public water systems.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Garner
Garner is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27529 | D | 49 | 29 | 9 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Garner.
Water Quality Overview
Garner, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 49 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 10 water systems serving Garner have accumulated 29 EPA violations, including 9 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code serving approximately 55,201 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Garner's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Garner is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Radon Risk
Garner is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Garner
Garner is served by 10 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 55,201 people across 1 ZIP code.
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 Garner. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Garner
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 Garner Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Garner's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 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 Garner:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 | 6 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2022 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Garner. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-11-03 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-11-03 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-10-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-08-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-07 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-16.
Garner vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Garner's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garner | D | 29 | 10 | 55,201 |
| Morganton | B | 4 | 10 | 56,201 |
| Shelby | D | 18 | 6 | 53,478 |
| Kernersville | B | 6 | 12 | 57,119 |
Common Questions About Garner Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Garner, North Carolina:
Is Garner water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Garner's 10 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Garner tap water? Garner's water receives a grade of D (49/100). There are 9 health-based violations - consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Garner? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Garner vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Garner 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 Garner.
ZIP Codes in Garner
Garner spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 27529. 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.