Water Quality in Harkers Island, NC: No Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 85/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Harkers Island's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Federal compliance data for Harkers Island, NC: no violations across 2 monitored systems.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Harkers Island
Water quality varies across Harkers Island's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28531 | A | 85 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Harkers Island, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 85 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 2 water systems serving Harkers Island. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Harkers Island's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Harkers Island water systems is 0.0050 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 51% of homes built before 1986, Harkers Island 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 Harkers Island
Harkers Island is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,680 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
How to Check Your Water in Harkers Island
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
Harkers Island vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Harkers Island's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harkers Island | A | 0 | 2 | 2,680 |
| Dobson | C | 4 | 2 | 2,689 |
| Wentworth | D | 17 | 2 | 2,700 |
| Staley | C | 0 | 1 | 2,655 |
Common Questions About Harkers Island Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Harkers Island, North Carolina:
Is Harkers Island water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Harkers Island's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Harkers Island tap water? Harkers Island's water receives a grade of A (85/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Harkers Island? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Harkers Island vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Harkers Island 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 Harkers Island.
ZIP Codes in Harkers Island
Harkers Island spans 1 ZIP code. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.