Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Leland?
Yes, Leland's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Leland has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Leland's water utility, Brunswick County Water System, had 2 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Leland was resolved on Oct. 31, 2019. This assessment is based on the Brunswick County Water System water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Leland Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Leland tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Leland's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Leland Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Brunswick County Water System for Leland in North Carolina. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From Oct. 1, 2019 to Oct. 31, 2019, Leland had 2 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant codes: Chlorite, Chlorine dioxide.
From July 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2017, Leland had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: CARBON, TOTAL.
From Oct. 1, 2016 to Oct. 31, 2016, Leland had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From Aug. 1, 2016 to Aug. 31, 2016, Leland had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From July 1, 2016 to July 31, 2016, Leland had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016, Leland had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Chlorite.
From Feb. 1, 2014 to Feb. 28, 2014, Leland had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Chlorite.
From Dec. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013, Leland had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Routine Minor (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).
From Oct. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013, Leland had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Chloramine.
Is there Lead in Leland Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Leland water system, Brunswick County Water System, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Leland water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Leland contained more lead.
While Leland water testing may have found 0.0 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Leland Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point - near Leland with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Leland has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Leland SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/01/2019 - 10/31/2019 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | Chlorite (1009) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
| 10/01/2019 - 10/31/2019 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | Chlorine dioxide (1008) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
| 07/01/2017 - 09/30/2017 | Archived | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | CARBON, TOTAL (2920) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
| 10/01/2016 - 10/31/2016 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Single Turbidity Exceed (Enhanced SWTR) (43) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 08/01/2016 - 08/31/2016 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) (38) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 07/01/2016 - 07/31/2016 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) (38) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 04/01/2016 - 06/30/2016 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | Chlorite (1009) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
| 02/01/2014 - 02/28/2014 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average (02) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | Chlorite (1009) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
| 12/01/2013 - 12/31/2013 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Routine Minor (TCR) (24) | Total Coliform Rule (110) | Coliform (TCR) (3100) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
| 10/01/2013 - 12/31/2013 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | Chloramine (1006) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Leland Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | PO BOX 249 BOLIVIA, NC, 28422 |
Existing customers can login to their Brunswick County Water System account to pay their Leland water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Brunswick County Water System bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Leland water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Leland water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Leland means you will often need to put the water in your name with Brunswick County Water System. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Leland means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Brunswick County Water System. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Leland, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Leland Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Leland's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
County of Brunswick
Water Quality Report–2020
IMPORTANT PHONE
NUMBERS
BILLING QUESTIONS
(910)
WATER
EMERGENCIES
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(910)
AFTER HOURS
4:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Northwest WTP
-
371-3490
211 WTP
-
454-0512 Alternate
-
755-7921
EPA SAFE
DRINKING WATER
HOTLINE
SOURCE WATER
ASSESSMENT
Page 3
Water Treatment Plant
Updates
Pages 4 – 5
Water Quality
Pages
LEAD in Drinking
Water
Page 9
Brunswick County Public Utilities is pleased to share its 2020 annual water quality report. 2020 brought many challenges to our utility and our community. Of top concern was ensuring that water service remained uninterrupted during the
After considerable planning, the construction of upgrades to the Northwest Water Treatment Plant and the addition of a
Brunswick County Public Utilities’ dedication to continuous improvement illustrates its commitment to the community and customers. Follow our Web site link at <http://www.brunswickcountync.gov/genx/> for updates on the design and construction of our
As always, we are here to serve so please reach out if you have questions or comments. Regards,
______________________________ |
_______________________________ |
John Nichols, Director of Public Utilities |
Glenn Walker, Water Resources Manager |
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Brunswick County Water Quality Report 2020 Continued:
The Brunswick County Public Utilities Department would like to let you know that we are here to serve you 24 hours a day. If you plan to dig, then call 811 or log on to <www.NC811.org> to request utility locates. If you have billing questions, call Customer Service at
Our water treatment plants are designed to destroy and remove bacteria and viruses from the water supply. The EPA’s surface water treatment rule mandated that all community surface water treatment systems demonstrate at least a
Interesting Facts:
Total Brunswick County Water System Capacity: 30 MGD
The greatest one day system demand of the year for 2020 was 26.442. million gallons (MGD) on July 23, 2020.
Find Your Service Area
Brunswick County operates two water treatment plants; the 24 million gallons per day Northwest WTP that treats raw water from the Cape Fear River and the 6 million gallons per day groundwater 211 WTP. The three data tables on pages
water from both plants. Bald Head Island has its own treatment plant, but supplementary water is supplied by the 211 WTP, or blended water. All other customers receive water from the Northwest WTP.
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Brunswick County Water Quality Report 2020 Continued:
Sources of Drinking Water
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants are anything in the water other than the water molecule. Contaminants that may be present in source water include microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from wildlife, sewage treatment plants, septic systems, and agricultural livestock operations; inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, radioactive material from oil and gas production, mining, or farming; pesticides and herbicides, which typically come from agricultural operations; and chemicals, which are often
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
The NC Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP)
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Public Water Supply (PWS) Section, Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) conducted assessments for all drinking water sources across North Carolina. The purpose of the assessments was to determine the susceptibility of each drinking water source (well or surface water intake) to Potential Contaminant Sources (PCSs). The results of the assessments are available in SWAP Assessment Reports that include maps, background information, and a relative susceptibility rating of Higher, Moderate, or Lower.
The relative susceptibility rating of each source for Brunswick County was determined by combining the contaminant rating (number and location of PCSs within the assessment area) and the inherent vulnerability rating (i.e., characteristics or existing conditions of the well or watershed and its delineated assessment area). The most recent assessment findings (September 2020) are summarized in the table below.
Susceptibility of Sources to Potential Contaminant Sources (PCSs)
Source Name |
Susceptibility Rating |
SWAP Report Date |
|
|
|
CAPE FEAR RIVER |
Moderate |
Sept. 10, 2020 |
|
|
|
WELL # 1, 2, 15, 16, 17 |
Lower |
Sept. 10, 2020 |
|
|
|
WELL # 3 ,8, 11,12,12A,18 ,19 |
Moderate |
Sept. 10, 2020 |
|
|
|
WELL # 5,6A |
Higher |
Sept. 10, 2020 |
|
|
|
The complete SWAP Assessment Report for the Brunswick County Water System may be viewed on the Web by typing the following address into your browser <https://www.ncwater.org/?page=600> then enter 0410045. To obtain a printed copy of this report please contact the Source Water Assessment Staff by phone at (919)
It is important to understand that a susceptibility rating of “higher” does not imply poor water quality, only the systems’ potential to become contaminated by PCSs in the assessment area.
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Brunswick County Water Quality Report 2020 Continued:
211 Water Treatment Plant
The 211 Water Treatment Plant has fourteen (14) different groundwater wells that are tapped into the Castle Hayne Aquifer approximately 175 ft. below the ground’s surface. They use a lime softening process to remove excess calcium from the water. In 2020, the facility renewed the filtration system and started construction of a new operations and laboratory building. Facility staff continue to provide
quality water service to the areas of Southport, Oak Island, and St. James Plantation. The facility would
like to welcome Kenny Revels chief operator and Bryan Morris, Derek Harrelson, and Jesse Burgess as new water treatment operators.
Northwest Water Treatment Plant
The Northwest WTP takes water from the Cape Fear River above Lock and Dam #1 in Bladen County through a contract with Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority (LCFWASA). LCFWASA is expanding capacity in order to meet the area’s demand for surface water. Brunswick County Public Utilities, Cape Fear Public Utilities, and Pender County Public Utilities are all customers of LCFWASA. Brunswick County Public Utilities is the contract operator of the raw water pump station for LCFWASA.
Area Wide Optimization Program (AWOP): The Northwest WTP participates in this program designed to maximize water system operations and water quality by closely monitoring filter effluent turbidity and microbial results in the WTP.
Staff Certifications: Congratulations to Blake Foster for attaining the
Northwest WTP Expansion Update: Brunswick County Public Utilities continues to work with CDM Smith to advance the construction of needed water treatment plant improvements for the removal of PFAS contaminants. Oscar Renda Contracting company is currently working on upgrades and plant construction. Major elements are: expansion of the existing treatment process from 24 million gallons a day (MGD) to 48 MGD and the addition of 36 MGD Low Pressure Reverse Osmosis (LPRO) plus the necessary ancillary equipment to ensure it all works together. The project will be capable of producing water treated by the Low Pressure Reverse Osmosis System in the summer of 2023 and the entire project is scheduled for completion by September 2023. More detailed information about the LPRO design, water quality results, and steps we are taking to secure our water future can be found on the Brunswick County Web site: <http://www.brunswickcountync.gov/genx/>.
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Brunswick County Water Quality Report 2020 Continued:
To the left is the construction of the new filter gallery.
Pictured below is one of the clarifier basins being converted to a super pulsator which will produce double the water it is able to produce now.
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Brunswick County Water Quality Report 2020 Continued:
Water Quality Results for 2020
Terms & abbreviations used in the tables below:
-
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are
non-enforceable public health goals. - Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water as set by the EPA. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost into consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards.
- Action Level (AL): the concentration of a contaminant which, when exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
- Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA) – The average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the previous four calendar quarters under the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
- Units
• |
N/A: not applicable |
ntu: nephelometric turbidity unit (cloudiness) |
• |
||
• |
pCi/l: Picocuries per liter (a measure of radiation) |
|
• |
MGD: million gallons a day |
Y/N: Yes No |
Northwest Water Treatment Plant Analysis
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Cryptosporidium Monitoring: The Northwest WTP monitored for Cryptosporidium in 2017 and did not detect any oocysts in 12 samples from our raw water supply. Cryptosporidium is a microbial parasite which is found in surface water throughout the United States. Although Cryptosporidium can be removed by filtration, the most commonly used filtration methods cannot guarantee 100 percent removal. Our previous monitoring of the source water has indicated the presence of these organisms. Current test methods do not enable us to determine if the organisms are dead or if they are capable of causing disease. The Northwest WTP takes precautions to kill and remove Cryptosporidium oocyst by using chlorine dioxide as a
PFAS SAMPLING RESULTS 2020
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Water Quality Results for 2020 Continued:
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Brunswick County Water Quality Report 2020 Continued:
Did You Know?
The EPA and Brunswick County Want You to Know About Potential Household Lead Contamination
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Brunswick County Public Utilities provides
-
How does Brunswick County prevent and monitor for LEAD in our drinking water? o We don’t use lead service lines between the distribution pipes and our water meters.
o We have an active corrosion control and prevention plan that requires us to feed a corrosion inhibitor (orthophosphate) and to monitor the residual daily at the water plants and weekly in the distribution system.
o Brunswick County building codes have required plumbing materials to be low or free of lead since 1987. o We monitor for lead and copper in homes that were built before 1987 and may be at higher risk for
exposure due to susceptible plumbing materials (copper pipe with lead solder joints) at least every three years.
Unregulated contaminants are those which EPA has not established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring is to assist EPA in determining the occurrence of unregulated contaminants in drinking water and whether future regulations are warranted.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Water Quality in the Home
Remove and flush faucet aerators regularly. This helps to keep debris such as pipe solder and sediment from clogging aerator screens, as well as provide the best quality water possible.
What about Home Filtration Systems? Brunswick County Public Utilities does not recommend whole house filtration systems because these systems tend to remove the disinfection properties of the water and may waste a significant amount of water. The removal of disinfection chemicals in turn will allow bacteria to grow in your household plumbing. If you must use a filtration system purchase one that goes “under the counter”, attaches to the kitchen faucet, or is a part of your refrigerator. This allows the disinfected water to remain in the plumbing system, preventing bacterial growth.
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Brunswick County Water Quality Report 2020 Continued:
Ways You Can Conserve Water!
Brunswick County Public Utilities asks that you use water wisely. By following the recommendations outlined below, you may be able to reduce the amount of water you use and save money on your water bill.
-
IRRIGATE DURING OFF PEAK HOURS
Peak demand for water is between 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. If irrigation is necessary, irrigate during off peak times. This will help to ensure proper water pressure for more efficient irrigating. -
REDUCE IRRIGATION FREQUENCY
For established lawns, daily irrigation is not required. Irrigate every other day and only when there is no moisture in the root zone. -
IRRIGATE ON DAYS BASED ON YOUR ADDRESS
Brunswick County Public Utilities has established irrigation policies that affect everyone during times of drought, water shortages, and emergencies, so go ahead and match our irrigation plan and you will more than likely save money on your water bill and lessen the chance of over irrigating your lawn. -
If your home has an ODD numbered address : You should irrigate on
Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday -
If your home has an EVEN numbered address: You should irrigate on
Wednesday-Friday-Sunday - Please, NO irrigation on MONDAYS: This is a high demand day, and your irrigation system may not function properly due to low available water pressure
-
WHEN PURCHASING NEW OR REPLACEMENT APPLIANCES AND FAUCETS
Look for the Energy Star compliant symbol and the EPA’s Water Sense symbol. These ensure the appliances are both energy and water efficient.
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Contaminants
Brunswick County Water System
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 77891
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 23
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- 1%2C4-Dioxane
- Bromodichloromethane
- Bromoform
- Chlorite
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Monobromoacetic acid
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.