Rutherfordton, NC (28139): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems
EPA data combined for 4 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Broad River Water Authority)
Health-based violation records by water system:
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 28139 in Rutherfordton, NC contain 13 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 1 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 1 health-based violation and 12 non-health-based (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0014 mg/L is below the EPA action level for water systems; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling; see the PFAS section for each compound, compared with the federal PFAS MCL where one exists.
- Radon EPA Zone 2 - county-level radon potential, not a home measurement.
- Flood 23 cumulative NFIP claim records. Check the current FEMA map for a specific address.
Get updates when new water-quality data is available for your area
Free alerts when new EPA data affects ZIP code 28139. No spam - just safety updates.
Unsubscribe anytime. We only send updates when your safety score changes. See our Privacy Policy.
See incorrect data? Let us know
Safety datasets compiled for 28139 in Rutherfordton return 1 finding at the high-priority level - each is backed by source data and classification criteria, and the critical tier of the same record shows no entries.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: Score unavailable
Required evidence is missing. Missing values remain unknown and are not imputed or renormalized.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 3 of 4 components and 2 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (7) CRITICAL
Your Water System
ZIP code 28139 in Rutherfordton, North Carolina is mapped to the water system Broad River Water Authority (EPA ID: NC0181035). This system provides water to approximately 18,242 people from surface water sources.
There are 4 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broad River Water Authority | NC0181035 | 18,242 | Surface water |
| Forest City, Town of | NC0181010 | 21,521 | Surface water |
| Lake Lure, Town of | NC0181020 | 1,176 | Groundwater |
| Fairfield Mtns-apple Valley | NC0181133 | 950 | Groundwater |
Other Water Quality Reports in North Carolina
- 27006 (Advance) - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27007 (Ararat)
- 27009 (Belews Creek) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 27010 (Bethania)
- 27011 (Boonville) - 25 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27012 (Clemmons) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27013 (Cleveland) - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27014 (Cooleemee) - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27016 (Danbury)
- 27017 (Dobson) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27018 (East Bend) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27019 (Germanton) - 98 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27020 (Hamptonville) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27021 (King) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27022 (Lawsonville)
- 27023 (Lewisville) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 27024 (Lowgap)
- 27025 (Madison) - 21 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27027 (Mayodan) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27028 (Mocksville) - 15 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 28160 (Spindale) - 3 mi
- 28167 (Union Mills) - 7 mi
- 28043 (Forest City) - 8 mi - 12 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 28756 (Mill Spring) - 10 mi
- 28018 (Bostic) - 11 mi - 29 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 28074 (Harris) - 11 mi
- 28040 (Ellenboro) - 12 mi - 24 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 28019 (Caroleen) - 12 mi
- 28746 (Lake Lure) - 12 mi - 11 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 28076 (Henrietta) - 13 mi
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Broad River Water Authority (NC0181035) on EPA.gov.
4 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 28139.
Detected compounds: PFBA.
Highest measured level: 0.0051 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) HIGH
Home & Infrastructure (7) OK
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Rutherfordton
Based on local data for ZIP 28139, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Rutherfordton has 23 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Gutter Installation & Repair
The median home in 28139 was built around 1983. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.
Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsWindow Replacement
The median build year of homes in Rutherfordton is 1983; check the age and condition of your own windows. ENERGY STAR windows can save $101–$583/year on energy bills.
Typical cost: Window replacement: typically $300–$800 per window installed
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsService recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 28139 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 13 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 28139 (primary system: Broad River Water Authority), including 1 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 28139's water come from?
The recorded water source for Broad River Water Authority, a system mapped to ZIP code 28139, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 18,242 people.
How can I get my water tested in Rutherfordton?
If Broad River Water Authority supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
Is lead a concern in 28139 tap water?
The Lead and Copper Rule record selected for 28139 reports a 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0014 mg/L for a water system mapped to this ZIP (record date 2025-12-31). The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L. This result is below the EPA action level; it does not show the lead level in each home.
What is the radon risk for 28139?
28139 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 2 (moderate county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Rutherford County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 28139's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 28139. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 28139?
FEMA records contain 23 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 28139; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is AE, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. Claim records do not establish current property risk. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Rutherfordton, NC (28139): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems. https://zipcheckup.com/report/28139/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-28139,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Rutherfordton, NC (28139): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/28139/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 28139
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28160 | Spindale, NC | 3.1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 28167 | Union Mills, NC | 7.1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 28043 | Forest City, NC | 8.1 mi | N/A | 12 |
| 28756 | Mill Spring, NC | 10.3 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 28018 | Bostic, NC | 11.0 mi | N/A | 29 |
| 28074 | Harris, NC | 11.4 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 28040 | Ellenboro, NC | 12.0 mi | N/A | 24 |
| 28019 | Caroleen, NC | 12.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 28746 | Lake Lure, NC | 12.3 mi | N/A | 11 |
| 28076 | Henrietta, NC | 12.9 mi | N/A | 0 |
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
2026 Rankings for Your Area
Overall safety breakdown
Home Safety Score →Find the right water filter
Water Filter Matcher →Compare filters, tests & services
Compare My Options →Compare with another ZIP
Compare Tool →