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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 27546 Water Quality Report

Lillington, NC · Harnett County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

2

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 27546

Tap water in ZIP code 27546 (Lillington, NC) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 80/100). Served by Harnett Regional Water, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

Harnett Regional Water

EPA ID: NC0343045

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

116,892 residents

County

Harnett County County, North Carolina

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Lead Levels in ZIP 27546

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 8.5 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 27546 is 8.5 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.

Lead exposure risk in 27546 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 40% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
8.50 ppb (0.0085 mg/L)
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.1 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

40%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Harnett Regional Water has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details.

Total Violations (5 yr)
2
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Moderate

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Moderate. Harnett Regional Water has had occasional lapses in compliance but generally meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 27546: Stage 2 DBP Rule. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Stage 2 DBP Rule

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Trihalomethane (TTHM) (40.8 ppb)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 2 enforcement actions against Harnett Regional Water. Enforcement actions are formal compliance orders or penalties issued when a utility fails to address violations within required timeframes.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$0
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

2.48%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 27546 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Harnett Regional Water
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 27546 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 27546?+
Yes — tap water in 27546 (Lillington, NC) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 27546 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 27546 is 8.5 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 27546?+
Tap water in ZIP code 27546 is provided by Harnett Regional Water (EPA ID: NC0343045). This system serves approximately 116,892 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 27546?+
ZIP code 27546 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 27546 have any active water quality violations?+
There are 1 health-based violation in the past 5-year record, but no currently unresolved violations according to EPA data. This means past issues have been addressed.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 27546?+
Your water utility — Harnett Regional Water — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Harnett Regional Water Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 27546?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 27546, with detected contaminants including Stage 2 DBP Rule, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 27546 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 8.5 ppb in 27546, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 27546 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Harnett Regional Water. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →