New Hanover County Water Quality: 293 Violations (NC)
24 water systems · 17 ZIP codes · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-04
Violation Trend
EPA violations across water systems in New Hanover County.
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New Hanover County has 24 community water systems serving approximately 3,319,026 people across 17 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 293 EPA violations, including 32 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 11% of all violations in New Hanover County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 32 | 10.9% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 261 | 89.1% |
| Total | 293 | 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 | Wilmington | 187 | 22 | 11 | 2,390,179 |
| 2 | Raleigh | 78 | 7 | 1 | 660,394 |
| 3 | Castle Hayne | 13 | 1 | 1 | 199,179 |
| 4 | Fremont | 9 | 1 | 1 | 46,775 |
| 5 | Carolina Beach | 4 | 0 | 1 | 12,089 |
| 6 | Wrightsville Beach | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5,300 |
Violation Trend
Year-by-year EPA violations across water systems in New Hanover County:
| Year | Total | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 26 | 26 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 76 | 14 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 54 | 15 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 34 | 14 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 32 | 15 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 28 | 14 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 12 | 3 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead | Inorganic | 5 | 2 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 1 | 1 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 1 | 1 | No |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in New Hanover 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 17 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 New Hanover County
New Hanover County is served by 24 community water systems, averaging 1.4 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 New Hanover 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 New Hanover 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 152 enforcement actions against water systems in New Hanover 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: New Hanover County, NC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Hanover County
Water quality varies across New Hanover County's 17 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27650 | Raleigh | B | 73 | 78 | 7 | View → |
| 28407 | Wilmington | A | 97 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28408 | Wilmington | A | 97 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28410 | Wilmington | A | 97 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28404 | Wilmington | A | 93 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28406 | Wilmington | A | 93 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28401 | Wilmington | B | 83 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28403 | Wilmington | B | 78 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28405 | Wilmington | B | 78 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28412 | Wilmington | B | 78 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28409 | Wilmington | B | 73 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28411 | Wilmington | B | 73 | 17 | 2 | View → |
| 28429 | Castle Hayne | C | 67 | 13 | 1 | View → |
| 27830 | Fremont | A | 94 | 9 | 1 | View → |
| 28428 | Carolina Beach | B | 70 | 4 | 0 | View → |
| 28480 | Wrightsville Beach | B | 74 | 2 | 1 | View → |
| 28449 | Kure Beach | B | 80 | 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. New Hanover County has 32 such violations. Not all violations cause illness, but repeated exceedances increase risk, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals.
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. New Hanover County's overall grade is B.
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in New Hanover County, North Carolina?
New Hanover County has 24 community water systems with 293 recorded EPA violations, including 32 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does New Hanover County have?
New Hanover County has 293 total EPA violations across 17 ZIP codes. 32 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in New Hanover County has the most water violations?
Wilmington has the most violations in New Hanover County with 187 recorded EPA violations across 11 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in New Hanover County water?
New Hanover 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 New Hanover 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).