Is Spring Hope, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
60.5/100
waterverge.com Spring Hope, NC — Water Quality Report
Spring Hope's drinking water received a grade of C (60.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,511 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 187 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spring Hope's water
Spring Hope ranks #286 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Spring Hope relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Spring Hope may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Spring Hope, NC water safe to drink?
Spring Hope's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,511 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Spring Hope
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spring Hope's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Spring Hope's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Spring Hope's water system has 187 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Nash County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Tar River.
Where does Spring Hope's water come from?
Spring Hope's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,511 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tar River (river).
What Spring Hope residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spring Hope's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Spring Hope's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Spring Hope
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Spring Hope, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLAYTON NASHVILLE NASHVILLE, NC27856 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
W&W-AFCO STEEL LLC NASHVILLE, NC27856 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
UNIVERSAL LEAF N.A. US INC NASHVILLE, NC27856 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
PERDUE FOODS LLC - NASHVILLE FEED MILL NASHVILLE, NC27856 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
AMERICAN COMPUTER DEVELOPMENT INC NASHVILLE, NC27856 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtNash County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Nash County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Spring Hope's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 5.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 4.94 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 4.940 mg/L (2022)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Spring Hope compares by contaminant
Explore where Spring Hope ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spring Hope's water comes from
Spring Hope's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,511 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Spring Hope
Spring Hope is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Spring Hope
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPRING HOPE, TOWN OF | NC0464025 | 1,312 | GW |
| RANSDELL FOREST S/D MHP | NC0464131 | 124 | GW |
| RIVERSIDE MHP | NC0464118 | 75 | GW |
How Spring Hope compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Spring Hope's score of 60.5/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Spring Hope, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spring Hope's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nash
Frequently asked questions
Is Spring Hope, NC tap water safe to drink?
Spring Hope's water quality earned a grade of C (60.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #286 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Spring Hope's water?
Lead was measured at 5.8 ppb (90th percentile). 187 violations are on record.
How is Spring Hope's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Spring Hope?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spring Hope's water come from?
Spring Hope's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,511 residents.
What health violations has Spring Hope's water system had?
Spring Hope has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 32 violations remain unresolved.
Is Spring Hope's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Spring Hope uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 187 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Spring Hope's water compare to other cities?
Spring Hope ranks #286 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 31% of state cities) and #12082 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.