Water Quality in Matthews, NC: 23 Violations - Grade N/A
6 water systems · 2 directly mapped ZIP records
Available EPA records report 23 violations across 2 directly mapped ZIP records with known counts for Matthews. This is compliance evidence, not a property-level tap-water verdict.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Matthews
This table shows typed EPA water evidence only. Missing violation counts are displayed as N/A, not zero.
| ZIP Code | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28104 | 23 | 1 | View report → |
| 28105 | 22 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Matthews, North Carolina has directly mapped EPA water-system data for 2 ZIP codes. This page reports typed compliance facts and does not relabel the multi-source Home Safety Score as a drinking-water grade.
The available EPA records report 23 violations, including 1 health-based violation across 2 directly mapped ZIP records with reported counts.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Matthews water systems is 0.0040 mg/L - within EPA limits. No exceedances appear among the 2 ZIP records with known lead status.
Water Systems Serving Matthews
Matthews is served by 6 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 82,154 people across 3 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Matthews. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Matthews
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels and violation history
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 Matthews Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Matthews's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 14 | 2 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 11 | 2 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 8 | 2 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 2 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 2 | 2 | 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 Matthews. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2026-05-26 | State Formal Action |
| 2026-03-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2026-01-15 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2026-01-15 | State Filed Suit |
| 2026-01-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-12-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-11-17 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-11-17 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-10-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-13 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2026-05-26.
Matthews vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Matthews's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Direct EPA ZIPs | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthews | 2 | 23 | 6 | 82,154 |
| Hickory | 2 | 63 | 7 | 82,112 |
| Wake Forest | 1 | 47 | 5 | 81,902 |
| Monroe | 2 | 5 | 4 | 83,458 |
Common Questions About Matthews Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Matthews, North Carolina:
Is Matthews water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Matthews's 6 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Matthews tap water? City-level EPA records cannot determine safety at a specific tap. The measured subset contains 1 health-based violation; check the affected utility record and consider certified testing.
What is the best water filter for Matthews? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Matthews vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Matthews 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 Matthews.
ZIP Codes in Matthews
Matthews spans 3 ZIP codes. EPA water-system coverage is available for 2 directly mapped ZIP codes. 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
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.