Columbus County Water Quality: 60 Violations (NC)
19 water systems · 16 ZIP codes · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-04
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Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Columbus County has 19 community water systems serving approximately 173,681 people across 16 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 60 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 8% of all violations in Columbus County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 5 | 8.3% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 55 | 91.7% |
| Total | 60 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whiteville | 19 | 1 | 1 | 23,211 |
| 2 | Delco | 9 | 0 | 1 | 3,266 |
| 3 | Bolton | 6 | 1 | 1 | 17,648 |
| 4 | Tabor City | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5,223 |
| 5 | Riegelwood | 4 | 0 | 1 | 60,758 |
| 6 | Evergreen | 4 | 1 | 1 | 14,573 |
| 7 | Chadbourn | 4 | 1 | 1 | 9,991 |
| 8 | Fair Bluff | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1,046 |
| 9 | Lake Waccamaw | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2,572 |
| 10 | Brunswick | 1 | 0 | 1 | 576 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 16 | 9 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 5 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 9 | 6 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 4 | 4 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 2 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 1 | 1 | No |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in Columbus County receives a safety score from 0-100 based on EPA compliance data. Scores factor in the number and severity of violations, with health-based violations weighted more heavily than monitoring failures. Resolved violations (where the system returned to compliance) receive reduced weight in the scoring.
The county-level grade (B) represents the average across all 16 ZIP codes. Individual ZIP codes may vary significantly — a county with a B grade may contain both A-rated and D-rated areas.
Water Systems in Columbus County
Columbus County is served by 19 community water systems, averaging 1.2 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in Columbus County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in Columbus County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water system data including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 127 enforcement actions against water systems in Columbus County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Columbus County, NC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Columbus County
Water quality varies across Columbus County's 16 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28472 | Whiteville | B | 71 | 19 | 1 | View → |
| 28436 | Delco | B | 76 | 9 | 0 | View → |
| 28423 | Bolton | B | 81 | 6 | 1 | View → |
| 28463 | Tabor City | B | 76 | 6 | 0 | View → |
| 28431 | Chadbourn | A | 89 | 4 | 1 | View → |
| 28439 | Fair Bluff | B | 83 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 28438 | Evergreen | B | 81 | 4 | 1 | View → |
| 28456 | Riegelwood | C | 68 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 28450 | Lake Waccamaw | B | 79 | 3 | 1 | View → |
| 28424 | Brunswick | A | 90 | 1 | 0 | View → |
| 28430 | Cerro Gordo | A | 87 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 28434 | Council | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 28432 | Clarendon | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 28442 | Hallsboro | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 28448 | Kelly | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View → |
| 28455 | Nakina | C | 65 | 0 | 0 | View → |
What is a water quality grade?
ZipCheckup grades water systems from A to F based on EPA violation history, contaminant levels, and system compliance. Grade A means few or no violations; Grade F indicates persistent or serious issues. Columbus County's overall grade is B.
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Columbus County, North Carolina?
Columbus County has 19 community water systems with 60 recorded EPA violations, including 5 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does Columbus County have?
Columbus County has 60 total EPA violations across 16 ZIP codes. 5 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in Columbus County has the most water violations?
Whiteville has the most violations in Columbus County with 19 recorded EPA violations across 1 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in Columbus County water?
Columbus County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in Columbus County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).