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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 28655 Water Quality Report

Morganton, NC · Burke County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

2

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

0

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 0 unresolved violation. Contact City of Morganton for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 28655

Tap water in ZIP code 28655 (Morganton, NC) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 70/100). Served by City of Morganton, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

City of Morganton

EPA ID: NC0112015

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

27,221 residents

County

Burke County County, North Carolina

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Lead Levels in ZIP 28655

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

Lead Level: 6.0 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 28655 is 6.0 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 28655 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 55% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
6.00 ppb (0.006 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

55%
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

City of Morganton has recorded 2 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures.

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

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Moderate. City of Morganton 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

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 28655. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

6 enforcement actions have been issued against City of Morganton — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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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
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$8
Energy Burden

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

2.87%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 28655 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from City of Morganton
  • ✓ 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 28655 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 28655?+
Yes — tap water in 28655 (Morganton, 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 28655 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 28655 is 6.0 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 28655?+
Tap water in ZIP code 28655 is provided by City of Morganton (EPA ID: NC0112015). This system serves approximately 27,221 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 28655?+
ZIP code 28655 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 28655 have any active water quality violations?+
No active violations are on record for ZIP code 28655. EPA data shows this water system is currently in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 28655?+
Your water utility — City of Morganton — 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 "City of Morganton Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 28655?+
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 28655, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 28655 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 6.0 ppb in 28655, 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 28655 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 City of Morganton. 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 →