Where does the water in 28512 come from?

Water for zip code 28512 in Pine Knoll Shore, North Carolina is provided by 2 water systems. Contact your local utility for specific source information, or check our detailed page for your area.

Water Hardness in 28512

Pine Knoll Shore, North Carolina · Carteret County

231 PPM

13.5 GPG

Hard

0Soft60120180300+

High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 2 water systemsTap readings can vary by utility zone, treatment, and plumbing. Methodology

Source context

How this ZIP reading is built

This ZIP reading is built from 2 matched water systems. When more than one system is matched, the displayed value is weighted toward larger known service populations when that data is available.

Source basis

2 USGS-backed sources

2 matched systems total for this ZIP; USGS monitoring is used where treated-water reports are unavailable.

Water source profile

Primarily groundwater

Groundwater commonly picks up calcium and magnesium after contact with rock and soil. This profile is weighted by known population served across matched systems.

Data recency

March 9, 2026

Dataset rebuilt March 9, 2026; individual utility reporting years can vary.

Hardness is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Use it for scale, appliance, and softener decisions; check your utility report or test your tap before sizing treatment equipment. See how we calculate local readings.

Water Systems Serving 28512

These are the systems matched to this ZIP code. The displayed ZIP value is weighted toward larger known service populations when population data is available.

2 water systems

PWSID is the public water system identifier. Data Source shows whether the hardness value comes from a treated-water report, USGS monitoring, or a local estimate; source year is shown when available.

Water System	Source	Hardness	Pop. Served	Data Source
West Carteret Water Corp NC0416040	groundwater	250 PPM Very Hard	19,512	High Confidence — USGS Monitoring
Atlantic Beach, Town Of NC0416035	groundwater	172 PPM Moderately Hard	6,380	High Confidence — USGS Monitoring

West Carteret Water Corp

NC0416040

Very Hard

250 PPMgroundwater19,512 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Atlantic Beach, Town Of

NC0416035

Moderately Hard

172 PPMgroundwater6,380 servedHigh Confidence — USGS Monitoring

Nearby Zip Codes

28557219 28575250 28570250 28594250 28531250 28528250 28516209 28532200 28584250 28553250 28579250 28589250

What This Means For You

Recommendations are based on the displayed ZIP hardness reading. Confirm your tap reading before sizing or buying treatment equipment.

Hard Water - Treatment Recommended

Your water is hard. Scale buildup is likely affecting your plumbing and appliances, reducing their lifespan and efficiency. A water softener is recommended to protect your home.

Recommended Products

Salt-Based Water Softener

Our PickAFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT 48K Also GreatWhirlpool WHES40E 40K Also GreatAFWFilters 64K Grain Also GreatAFWFilters Iron Pro 2 64K Also GreatSpringWell Filter + Softener Combo

Salt-Free Water Conditioner

Our PickSpringWell Salt-Free Cartridge

Water Hardness Test Kit

Our PickVarify (150 Strips)Also GreatJNW Direct (150 Strips)

Shower Head Filter

Our PickWeddell Duo Also GreatAquaBliss SF100 Also GreatSprite Pure 7-Setting Also GreatAqua Earth 20-Stage

Water Softener Salt

Our PickMorton Clean & Protect Also GreatDiamond Crystal Bright & Soft

Learn more: Do I Need a Water Softener? | Salt-Based vs Salt-Free | Size Calculator | How to Test Your Water

Know your water hardness?

If you've tested your water or have your utility's CCR report, share your reading to help us improve accuracy for Pine Knoll Shore, NC (28512).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Pine Knoll Shore, NC (28512)?

The average water hardness in 28512 is 231 PPM (13.5 GPG), which is classified as hard.

Do I need a water softener in 28512?

With hardness of 231 PPM, a water softener is recommended for homes in 28512.

Is hard water in 28512 safe to drink?

Water hardness itself is a mineral-content reading, not a drinking-water safety rating. Calcium and magnesium are naturally occurring minerals, but you should check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for contaminant and compliance information.

How many water systems serve 28512?

Zip code 28512 in Pine Knoll Shore, North Carolina is served by 2 water systems.