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Water Hardness in 28516

Beaufort, North Carolina · Carteret County

209 PPM
12.2 GPG
Hard
0Soft60120180300+
High Confidence - USGS Monitoring

Dataset updated March 9, 2026Matched to 5 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 5 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
4 USGS-backed sources
5 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 28516

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.

5 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.
West Carteret Water Corp
NC0416040
Very Hard
250 PPMgroundwater19,512 servedHigh Confidence - USGS Monitoring
Beaufort, Town Of
NC0416010
Soft
10 PPMgroundwater4,452 servedHigh Confidence - USGS Monitoring
North River/Mill Creek Water Service Dis
NC0416197
Very Hard
250 PPMgroundwater4,417 servedEstimated - County Avg
Eastman Creek Landing S/D
NC7016013
Soft
10 PPMgroundwater335 servedHigh Confidence - USGS Monitoring
Down East Mhp
NC0416117
Soft
10 PPMgroundwater107 servedHigh Confidence - USGS Monitoring

Nearby Zip Codes

285792502858925028524250285282502858125028553250285572192853125028577250285202502851025428571257

What This Means For You

Use this ZIP reading as a local planning estimate, not a final treatment specification. Hardness can vary by utility zone, seasonal blend, private well, and building plumbing. Confirm your tap reading with a utility report or home hardness test before sizing equipment.

MethodologyData sourcesHow 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 Beaufort, NC (28516).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Beaufort, NC (28516)?

The average water hardness in 28516 is 209 PPM (12.2 GPG), which is classified as hard.

Do I need a water softener in 28516?

With hardness of 209 PPM, a water softener is recommended for homes in 28516.

Is hard water in 28516 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 28516?

Zip code 28516 in Beaufort, North Carolina is served by 5 water systems.

Learn More About Your Water

How to Test Water Hardness at Home

Compare free lookups, soap tests, test strips, liquid drop kits, and lab tests for measuring water hardness.

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Water Hardness Scale: PPM and GPG Chart

Use the USGS water hardness scale to compare PPM, GPG, and mg/L levels from soft to very hard water.

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Well Water Hardness: Why It's Usually Hard & How to Treat It

Well water is almost always harder than city water. Learn why, how to test your well, and the best treatment options for hard well water.

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