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Coastal communities on private wells regularly encounter saltwater intrusion, iron, and tannin discoloration.
- Free in-home test, no obligation to purchase
- On-site testing of your water
- Written report of your results
- Trained local specialists
Brunswick County Water Quality Summary
- Water Source
- Cape Fear River & Local Aquifers
- Primary Concerns
- PFAS/GenX, Saltwater Intrusion, Iron, Tannins
- Water Hardness
- Varies by source; wells can test harder
- Utility
- Brunswick County Utilities
Your water in Brunswick County
- Water utility
- Brunswick County Public Utilities; several towns buy its water and bill you themselves
- Source
- About 80% Cape Fear River water (taken above Lock and Dam #1) and 20% Castle Hayne Aquifer wells near Southport
- Disinfectant
- Chloramine, with free chlorine each fall (Oct. 1 through November in 2026)
- Hardness
- Not published by the utility. Our free in-home test measures it at your tap.
- Latest report
- Brunswick County 2025 Consumer Confidence Report
- Reverse osmosis coming. The county expects the low-pressure reverse osmosis system at its Northwest plant, built to remove PFAS including GenX, to be running by the end of 2026. (Brunswick County: Northwest plant expansion and reverse osmosis upgrades)
- PFAS today. Weekly sampling in 2025 averaged 4.991 ppt PFOA, 9.985 ppt PFOS and 2.968 ppt GenX (HFPO-DA). (Brunswick County 2025 Consumer Confidence Report)
- Fall chlorine switch. NC DEQ requires the yearly switch to free chlorine. It can take 7 to 10 days to reach your tap, and taste or smell may change while it lasts. (Brunswick County notice: annual change to chlorine, Oct. 1, 2026)
Where we test
Also serving the Upstate: Greenville and Spartanburg
Cities & Communities We Serve in Brunswick County
- Leland
- Bolivia
- Shallotte
- Calabash
- Southport
- Oak Island
- Holden Beach
- Ocean Isle Beach
- Leland Water Testing
- Southport Water Testing
- Oak Island Water Testing
- Holden Beach Water Testing
- Shallotte Water Testing
- Calabash Water Testing
- Sunset Beach Water Testing
- Ocean Isle Beach Water Testing
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Brunswick County NC have PFAS in the water?
Yes. Brunswick County draws from the Cape Fear River basin, which has documented PFAS/GenX contamination from the Chemours facility upstream.
What water problems are common in Brunswick County?
PFAS/GenX, saltwater intrusion in coastal wells, iron and tannin discoloration, and chloramine byproducts are the most common issues.
How do I get a free water test in Brunswick County?
Call ClearFlow at (910) 999-0117. We serve Brunswick County, NC from our coastal operations.