Water Quality in Southern Pines, NC: No Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Southern Pines'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
Within the water supply network of Southern Pines, NC, no EPA violations appear anywhere in the federal compliance record — 2 public water systems are tracked here, and not one has been cited for an MCL exceedance, a monitoring failure, or any other reportable compliance event.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Southern Pines
Water quality varies across Southern Pines's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28387 | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 28388 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Southern Pines, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 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 Southern Pines. 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 C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Southern Pines'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 Southern Pines is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 50% of homes built before 1986, Southern Pines 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 Southern Pines
Southern Pines is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 42,850 people across 2 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 Southern Pines
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
Southern Pines vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Southern Pines's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Pines | C | 0 | 2 | 42,850 |
| Elizabeth City | A | 0 | 4 | 43,187 |
| Kinston | B | 40 | 5 | 43,305 |
| Kill Devil Hills | B | 1 | 5 | 43,787 |
Common Questions About Southern Pines Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Southern Pines, North Carolina:
Is Southern Pines water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Southern Pines's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Southern Pines tap water? Southern Pines's water receives a grade of C (66/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Southern Pines? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Southern Pines vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Southern Pines 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 Southern Pines.
ZIP Codes in Southern Pines
Southern Pines spans 2 ZIP codes. 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.