Water Quality in Highlands, NC: 13 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 78/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Highlands's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Highlands, NC log 13 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Highlands
Water quality varies across Highlands's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28741 | B | 78 | 13 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Highlands.
Water Quality Overview
Highlands, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 78 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Highlands have accumulated 13 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 8,674 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Highlands's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Highlands water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 53% of homes built before 1986, Highlands 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
Highlands is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Highlands
Highlands is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 8,674 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 Highlands. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Highlands
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 Highlands Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Highlands's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/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 Highlands:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2022 to 3 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Highlands. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-09-20 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-09-20 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-09.
Highlands vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Highlands's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands | B | 13 | 5 | 8,674 |
| Winton | B | 1 | 2 | 8,726 |
| Siler City | A | 4 | 2 | 8,617 |
| Bonlee | B | 0 | 1 | 8,520 |
Common Questions About Highlands Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Highlands, North Carolina:
Is Highlands water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Highlands's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Highlands tap water? Highlands's water receives a grade of B (78/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Highlands? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Highlands vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Highlands 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 Highlands.
ZIP Codes in Highlands
Highlands spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 28741. 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 B 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.