Columbus County Water Quality: 98 Violations (NC)
13 water systems · 12 ZIP codes · Home Safety Score Unavailable · 0 of 13 tracked ZIP records scored · Updated
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified:
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Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Columbus County has 13 community water systems across 12 directly mapped ZIP records. The systems report serving approximately 78,523 people. The available records contain 98 EPA violations, including 12 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 12% 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 | 12 | 12.2% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 86 | 87.8% |
| Total | 98 | 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 | Riegelwood | 22 | 3 | 1 | 3,565 |
| 2 | Whiteville | 15 | 2 | 1 | 17,833 |
| 3 | Chadbourn | 15 | 2 | 1 | 6,104 |
| 4 | Bolton | 10 | 2 | 1 | 2,477 |
| 5 | Tabor City | 7 | 0 | 1 | 7,023 |
| 6 | Clarendon | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1,398 |
| 7 | Delco | 6 | 1 | 1 | 2,145 |
| 8 | Lake Waccamaw | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2,256 |
| 9 | Cerro Gordo | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1,678 |
| 10 | Fair Bluff | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1,171 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 27 | 11 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 22 | 7 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 12 | 5 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 7 | 7 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 5 | 5 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 4 | 2 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 3 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 | No |
Water Data and the Home Safety Score
This page reports EPA water-system facts without converting the broader Home Safety Score into a drinking-water grade. The county Home Safety grade (unavailable) is a separate multi-source index that also requires PFAS screening, radon, and annual air-quality evidence. Check each ZIP report for the versioned score and its component coverage.
Water Systems in Columbus County
Columbus County is served by 13 community water systems, averaging 1.0 system 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 and violation history; the Home Safety Score is shown separately with its model version
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 100 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
Source publication schedules vary. See the page source and verification fields for available timing evidence.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Columbus County
Water quality varies across Columbus County's 12 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28456 | Riegelwood | 22 | 3 | View → |
| 28431 | Chadbourn | 15 | 2 | View → |
| 28472 | Whiteville | 15 | 2 | View → |
| 28423 | Bolton | 10 | 2 | View → |
| 28432 | Clarendon | 7 | 0 | View → |
| 28463 | Tabor City | 7 | 0 | View → |
| 28436 | Delco | 6 | 1 | View → |
| 28430 | Cerro Gordo | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 28439 | Fair Bluff | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 28442 | Hallsboro | 4 | 1 | View → |
| 28450 | Lake Waccamaw | 4 | 1 | View → |
| 28438 | Evergreen | 0 | 0 | View → |
What are EPA health violations?
Health-based violations mean a contaminant was detected above the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - the legal limit designed to protect human health. Columbus County has 12 such violations. Not all violations cause illness, but repeated exceedances increase risk, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals.
Water facts and the Home Safety Score
This page reports water evidence separately. A broader Home Safety Score is not published here unless the versioned model identity and complete required component coverage are available.
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Columbus County, North Carolina?
Columbus County has 13 community water systems with 98 recorded EPA violations, including 12 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 98 total EPA violations across 12 directly mapped ZIP records. 12 are health-based.
Which city in Columbus County has the most water violations?
Riegelwood has the most violations in Columbus County with 22 recorded EPA violations across 1 ZIP code.
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).