Water Quality in Ridgecrest, NC: 2 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Ridgecrest's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Ridgecrest, NC shows 2 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ridgecrest
Water quality varies across Ridgecrest's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28770 | D | 54 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Ridgecrest, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Ridgecrest have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 950 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Ridgecrest'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 Ridgecrest is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 100% of homes built before 1986, Ridgecrest 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
Ridgecrest is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 950 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 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ridgecrest. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ridgecrest
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 Ridgecrest Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Ridgecrest's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 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 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ridgecrest. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-12-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-11-14 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-02-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-01-31 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-01-31 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-12-17.
Ridgecrest vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Ridgecrest's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgecrest | D | 2 | 1 | 950 |
| Fontana Dam | B | 0 | 1 | 950 |
| Pink Hill | B | 2 | 1 | 950 |
| Hot Springs | B | 12 | 2 | 946 |
Common Questions About Ridgecrest Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ridgecrest, North Carolina:
Is Ridgecrest water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ridgecrest's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ridgecrest tap water? Ridgecrest's water receives a grade of D (54/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Ridgecrest? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ridgecrest vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest.
ZIP Codes in Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 28770. 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.