Where does the water in 28774 come from?

Water for zip code 28774 in Sapphire, 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 28774

Sapphire, North Carolina · Jackson County

33 PPM

1.9 GPG

Soft

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

1 USGS-backed source

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 28774

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
Sapphire Lakes Development NC0188127	groundwater	33 PPM Soft	724	High Confidence - USGS Monitoring
The Divide Water System NC1050037	groundwater	33 PPM Soft	89	Estimated - Nearby Data

Sapphire Lakes Development

NC0188127

Soft

33 PPMgroundwater724 servedHigh Confidence - USGS Monitoring

The Divide Water System

NC1050037

Soft

33 PPMgroundwater89 servedEstimated - Nearby Data

Nearby Zip Codes

2874733 2871737 2873613 2877233 296767 296867 2878313 2968510 287416 2871233 2870833 287238

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.

Methodology Data sources 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 Sapphire, NC (28774).

Submit Your Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water hard in Sapphire, NC (28774)?

The average water hardness in 28774 is 33 PPM (1.9 GPG), which is classified as soft.

Do I need a water softener in 28774?

At 33 PPM, your water is relatively soft. A water softener is generally not necessary.

Is hard water in 28774 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 28774?

Zip code 28774 in Sapphire, North Carolina is served by 2 water systems.

Learn More About Your Water

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.

10 min read

How to Test Water Hardness at Home

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

8 min read