Water Quality in Wallace, NC: 9 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Wallace's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Wallace, NC document 9 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Wallace
Water quality varies across Wallace's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28466 | D | 54 | 9 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Wallace, 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 Wallace have accumulated 9 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 5,825 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Wallace'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
The average 90th percentile lead level across Wallace water systems is 0.0182 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 52% of homes built before 1986, Wallace 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 Wallace
Wallace is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 5,825 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 Wallace. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Wallace
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 Wallace Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Wallace's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Wallace. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-04 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-04 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-04-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-10-22 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-22 | State Filed Suit |
| 2024-10-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-25.
Wallace vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Wallace's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace | D | 9 | 1 | 5,825 |
| Ahoskie | B | 2 | 2 | 5,832 |
| Banner Elk | C | 2 | 5 | 5,892 |
| Spruce Pine | C | 4 | 4 | 6,011 |
Common Questions About Wallace Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Wallace, North Carolina:
Is Wallace water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Wallace's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Wallace tap water? Wallace's water receives a grade of D (54/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Wallace? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Wallace vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Wallace 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 Wallace.
ZIP Codes in Wallace
Wallace spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 28466. 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.