Water Quality in Holly Springs, NC: 6 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 67/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Holly Springs'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
EPA monitoring has flagged 6 reportable events for water systems in Holly Springs, NC.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Holly Springs
Water quality varies across Holly Springs's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27540 | C | 67 | 6 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Holly Springs, 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 Holly Springs have accumulated 6 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 53,610 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Holly Springs'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
Lead testing data for Holly Springs is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Radon Risk
Holly Springs is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Holly Springs
Holly Springs is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 53,610 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 Holly Springs. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Holly Springs
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 Holly Springs Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Holly Springs's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Holly Springs. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-11 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-06-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-11-14 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-01.
Holly Springs vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Holly Springs's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holly Springs | C | 6 | 5 | 53,610 |
| Salisbury | C | 4 | 5 | 52,883 |
| Mount Mourne | D | 0 | 1 | 52,509 |
| Rocky Mount | A | 50 | 2 | 56,080 |
Common Questions About Holly Springs Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Holly Springs, North Carolina:
Is Holly Springs water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Holly Springs's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Holly Springs tap water? Holly Springs's water receives a grade of C (67/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Holly Springs? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Holly Springs vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Holly Springs 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 Holly Springs.
ZIP Codes in Holly Springs
Holly Springs spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 27540. 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.