EPA system NC0465010 · North Carolina
Cfpua-Wilmington: 1 PFAS found; PFPeA up to 4.4 ppt, no EPA limit set
90th percentile for the latest monitoring period; sampled Dec 31, 2025. Source: EPA SDWIS/ECHO.
Cfpua-Wilmington is a local-government-owned community water system in North Carolina serving about 212,227 people, matched to 7 ZIP codes.
MCL 4.0 ppt · not detected above the reporting level
MCL 4.0 ppt · not detected above the reporting level
health reference level 10 ppb · not detected above the reporting level
PFAS and lithium: what EPA's national survey found
EPA tested this water for 30 substances and found 1.
Between December 2023 and September 2024, EPA's UCMR 5 program tested 180 samples from 2 sampling locations for 30 contaminants (29 PFAS plus lithium). 1 were detected above the reporting level in at least one sample.
Show the 29 contaminants not detected above the reporting level
Full table: samples, detections, highest single sample, complete-set average and sampling dates for all 30 contaminants
| Contaminant | Samples | Detections | Highest single sample | Complete-set average (results used) | EPA reference | Status | Sampled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeA | 6 | 1 | 4.4 ppt | 1.1 ppt (4 of 4) | none set | detected; no EPA reference value | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| 4:2 FTS | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| 6:2 FTS | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| 8:2 FTS | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | 6 | 0 | < 2.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| ADONA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| Lithium | 6 | 0 | < 9 ppb | — | 10 ppb health reference level · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| NEtFOSAA | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| NFDHA | 6 | 0 | < 20.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| NMeFOSAA | 6 | 0 | < 6.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFBA | 6 | 0 | < 5.0 ppt | — | 6,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFBS | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 2,000 ppt health-based water concentration · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFDA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFDoA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFEESA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFHpA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFHpS | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFHxA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 3,000 ppt screening level · compared on the highest sample | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFHxS | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFMBA | 6 | 0 | < 3.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFMPA | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFNA | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 10.0 ppt MCL (rescission proposed) · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFOA | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFOS | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | 4.0 ppt MCL · compared on the complete-set average | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFPeS | 6 | 0 | < 4.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFTA | 6 | 0 | < 8.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFTrDA | 6 | 0 | < 7.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
| PFUnA | 6 | 0 | < 2.0 ppt | — | none set | not detected above the reporting level | December 2023 – September 2024 |
Sampling-point average: mean of a location's two (ground water) or four (surface water) UCMR 5 results with non-detects counted as zero, EPA's method for comparing UCMR 5 data to the PFAS MCLs. EPA rounds to the reference value's significant digits before deciding whether an average is "greater than" an MCL (PFOA/PFOS averages count as above 4.0 ng/L only from 4.05 ng/L; lithium results count as above the 10 ppb reference only from 15 ppb). This site does not apply that rounding: "at or above" here means the measured value is numerically at or above the reference.
Every detection by sampling location (1 results)
| Date | Sampling location | Source water | Contaminant | Result | Reporting level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 5, 2023 | Entry Point to Dist. System Sweeny WTP | surface water | PFPeA | 4.4 ppt | 3.0 ppt |
Utility-reported context (UCMR 5 questionnaire, aggregated across sampling events): PFAS previously found at this system: yes at 6 of 6 sampling events; potential PFAS sources nearby: yes at 6 of 6 sampling events; PFAS treatment in place: granular activated carbon at 4 of 8 sampling events, no PFAS treatment at 2 of 8 sampling events, reverse osmosis or nanofiltration at 2 of 8 sampling events.
Lead at customer taps
In the latest completed monitoring period, ending Dec 31, 2025, 9 in 10 sampled homes had lead at or below 0 ppb, below the 15 ppb action level that triggers utility action. The action level has been reached in 1 of the 12 periods on record.
In the most recent completed lead monitoring period, ending Dec 31, 2025, the 90th-percentile lead result at customer taps was 0 ppb, below the action level of 15 ppb; 1 of the 12 monitoring periods on record reached the action level. The 90th percentile is the value that 9 in 10 sampled homes were at or below. Values are in parts per billion (ppb).
| Monitoring period | Metal | 90th percentile | Action level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2025 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2022 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2019 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2016 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2013 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2008 – Dec 31, 2010 | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2005 – Dec 31, 2007 | Lead | 3 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 2002 – Dec 31, 2002 | Lead | 8 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2002 – Jun 30, 2002 | Lead | 1 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jul 1, 1992 – Dec 31, 1992 | Lead | 16 ppb | 15 ppb | at or above the action level |
| Jan 1, 1992 – Jun 30, 1992 | Lead | 10 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
| Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2028 (in progress) | Lead | 0 ppb | 15 ppb | below the action level |
Drinking water violations since Sep 3, 2016
EPA lists 7 violations since Sep 3, 2016. None is health-based. All concern missed monitoring, reporting or public notices, not the water itself.
EPA's SDWIS database lists 7 violations recorded since Sep 3, 2016: 5 for monitoring or reporting, 2 other (public notification or consumer confidence report requirements), none health-based.
| Compliance period | Type | Contaminant / rule | Description | Records | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | MR | Nitrate | Monitoring, Regular | 3 records at 3 facilities | Resolved · 4 enforcement actions |
| Jul 1, 2020 | Other | Consumer Confidence Rule | Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report | 1 record | Resolved · 1 enforcement action |
| Jul 1, 2019 | Other | Consumer Confidence Rule | Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report | 1 record | Resolved · 1 enforcement action |
| Jun 1, 2019 – Jun 30, 2019 | MR | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) | 1 record | Resolved · 5 enforcement actions |
| Mar 1, 2018 – Mar 31, 2018 | MON | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Monitoring, Routine (RTCR) | 1 record | Resolved · 5 enforcement actions |
Sanitary surveys and site visits
Most recent state inspection: Apr 29, 2026 (sanitary survey); 65 visits since Sep 3, 2021.
What you can do about these results
Filters certified to reduce PFOA and PFOS
EPA testing found 1 PFAS above reporting levels in this utility's water.
Look for NSF/ANSI 53 (activated carbon) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) certification that names PFOA/PFOS reduction.
Filters certified for lead reduction
1 of this utility's 12 lead monitoring periods on record reached the 15 ppb action level (most recent 90th percentile 0 ppb).
NSF/ANSI 53 with a lead-reduction claim, or NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis. Lead comes from plumbing, so a point-of-use filter at the kitchen tap is the relevant type.
ZIP codes served
Sources
Data vintage: EPA UCMR 5 occurrence data, samples collected 2023-01-03 – 2026-06-17, final release, August 2026 (file dated Aug 28, 2026); EPA SDWIS via ECHO, 2026Q2 extract (file dated Jul 9, 2026); EPA service-area boundaries v3.0; Census 2020 ZCTAs. Page generated 2026-09-03.
- EPA ECHO detailed facility report
- EPA UCMR 5 Data Finder
- EPA service-area boundary: modeled, 90.0 sq mi
