Hampstead and coastal Pender County communities face tannin discoloration and iron staining as well as PFAS concerns from the Cape Fear basin.
- Free in-home test, no obligation to purchase
- On-site testing of your water
- Written report of your results
- Trained local specialists
Pender County Water Quality Summary
- Water Source
- Cape Fear River, via the Lower Cape Fear Water & Sewer Authority, and county wells (Pender County Utilities)
- Primary Concerns
- Iron, Agricultural Nitrates, PFAS, Tannins
- Water Hardness
- Soft on county water (28 ppm at the treatment plant in 2024, Pender County Utilities); wells vary
- Utility
- Various. Many Private Wells
Your water in Pender County
- Water utility
- Pender County Utilities
- Source
- Mainly Cape Fear River water bought from the Lower Cape Fear Water & Sewer Authority, plus Pee Dee and Black Creek aquifer wells
- Disinfectant
- Chlorine
- Hardness
- 28 ppm total hardness (2025 annual average)
- Latest report
- Pender County Utilities 2025 water quality report
- Zero lead service lines. Pender County Utilities reports that it has zero lead service lines. (Pender County Utilities 2025 water quality report)
- By-product violation. In 2025 trihalomethanes topped the 80 ppb limit (LRAA 93 ppb) at a site on Belt Road near Surf City. The county added a tank mixer and more flushing. (Pender County Utilities 2025 water quality report)
- PFAS sampling. 2025 sampling averaged 2.27 ppt PFOA, 1.82 ppt PFOS and 2.18 ppt GenX (HFPO-DA). (Pender County Utilities 2025 water quality report)
Where we test
Also serving the Upstate: Greenville and Spartanburg
Cities & Communities We Serve in Pender County
- Burgaw
- Hampstead
- Surf City
- Topsail Beach
- Holly Ridge
- Rocky Point
- Watha
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Should I test well water in Pender County, NC?
Private wells are not covered by federal drinking water regulations, so testing is the owner's responsibility. Iron, nitrates, tannins, and bacteria are common concerns reported in the area. ClearFlow offers free in-home well water testing.
What water problems are common in Hampstead, NC?
Iron staining, tannin discoloration, and hard water are most common in Hampstead. PFAS concerns also affect the area due to the Cape Fear River basin.
How do I get a free water test in Pender County?
Call (910) 999-0117. ClearFlow serves Pender County from our Wilmington-area operations.