Fairfield Sapphire
EPA ID: NC0150113 · 3,873 people served · 1 ZIP code
Based on the latest federal compliance data, Fairfield Sapphire has 5 violations that the EPA has not yet closed — those outstanding findings are part of the enforcement record for a utility that delivers water to approximately 3,873 people throughout its service territory.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Fairfield Sapphire Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade B
Service Area Demographics
The Fairfield Sapphire serves a community with a median household income of $73,065 and an estimated 1,511 residents across its service area.
Environmental Justice Note: 33% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Fairfield Sapphire's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.
About 1% of homes in Jackson County, North Carolina rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Fairfield Sapphire compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L. Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.
Stage 1 DBP Rule at 6 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Surface Water Treatment Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) was detected in this water system. granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration can reduce exposure.
Find a certified water filter →Comparable Water Systems
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Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
Fairfield Sapphire (EPA ID: NC0150113) is a community water system in North Carolina that serves approximately 3,873 people from groundwater sources.
This system serves ZIP code 28717 in Cashiers.
Average Home Safety Score: B (77/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2025 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| July 1, 2024 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| January 1, 2024 | Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| May 19, 2023 | Lead and Copper Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| April 1, 2023 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| January 1, 2023 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Health-based | Resolved |
| January 1, 2023 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 6 | Yes |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting Failure | 3 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Failure | 2 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 1 | No |
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28717 | 0.007 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Coverage: Service area ZIP codes sourced from EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 (March 2026 release). These ZIPs reflect the actual deployment footprint recorded by NC or modeled from parcel and building-footprint data.
- 28717 — Cashiers
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Fairfield Sapphire (NC0150113) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfield Sapphire water safe to drink?
Fairfield Sapphire has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.
How many people does Fairfield Sapphire serve?
Fairfield Sapphire serves approximately 3,873 people across 1 ZIP code in North Carolina.
Where does Fairfield Sapphire get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Fairfield Sapphire (EPA ID: NC0150113) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.