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EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

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The Village of Bald Head Island

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility Details

  • Bald Head Island, North Carolina
  • Serves: 3,291
  • Data available: 2014-2019
  • Source: Purchased surface water

Contaminants Detected

10

EXCEED
EWG HEALTH
GUIDELINES

19 Total Contaminants

  • Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
  • Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.
  • The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.

What To Do

Filter contaminants out Contact Your Local Official What About Lead?

Legal ≠ Safe

EWG Health Guidelines fill the gap in outdated government standards.

The federal government’s legal limits are not health-protective. The EPA has not set a new tap water standard in almost 20 years, and some standards are more than 40 years old.

Contaminants Detected

VIEW: EXCEED GUIDELINES OTHER DETECTED

Bromodichloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer111x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY6.63 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.06 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Bromodichloromethane

more about
this contaminant

Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Bromodichloromethane was found at 111 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

6.63 ppb

National Average

5.79 ppb

State Average

8.12 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

water treatment icon

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Chloroform

Potential Effect: cancer31x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY12.5 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.4 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Chloroform

more about
this contaminant

Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

Chloroform was found at 31 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.4 ppb or less

This Utility

12.5 ppb

National Average

15.5 ppb

State Average

24 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

water treatment icon

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Dibromoacetic acid

Potential Effect: 40x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY1.62 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.04 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Dibromoacetic acid

more about
this contaminant

Dibromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dibromoacetic acid was found at 40 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.04 ppb or less

This Utility

1.62 ppb

National Average

1.1 ppb

State Average

1.04 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.04 ppb for dibromoacetic acid was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a on-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

water treatment icon

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Dibromochloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer38x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY3.82 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Dibromochloromethane

more about
this contaminant

Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dibromochloromethane was found at 38 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

3.82 ppb

National Average

3.29 ppb

State Average

3.99 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

water treatment icon

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Dichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer40x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY8.08 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.2 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Dichloroacetic acid

more about
this contaminant

Dichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dichloroacetic acid was found at 40 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.2 ppb or less

This Utility

8.08 ppb

National Average

7.97 ppb

State Average

11.8 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

water treatment icon

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)†

Potential Effect: cancer160x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY16.0 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb
LEGAL LIMIT60 ppb
DETAILS
X

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)

more about
this contaminant

Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid.

Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 160 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

16 ppb

Legal Limit

60 ppb

National Average

17.1 ppb

State Average

22.4 ppb
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for the group of five haloacetic acids, or HAA5, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

water treatment icon

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Potential Effect: cancer943x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY6.60 ppt
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.007 ppt
PROPOSED LEGAL LIMIT4 ppt
DETAILS
X

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

more about
this contaminant

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was found at 943 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.007 ppt or less

This Utility

6.6 ppt

Proposed Legal Limit

4 ppt

National Average

1.15 ppt

State Average

0.945 ppt
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppt = parts per trillion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.007 ppt for PFOA was proposed by California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.
VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

urban area icon

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Radium, combined (-226 & -228)

Potential Effect: cancer20x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY1.00 pCi/L
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.05 pCi/L
LEGAL LIMIT5 pCi/L
DETAILS
X

Radium, combined (-226 & -228)

more about
this contaminant

Radium is a radioactive element that causes bone cancer and other cancers. It can occur naturally in groundwater, and oil and gas extraction activities such as hydraulic fracturing can elevate concentrations.

Radium, combined (-226 & -228) was found at 20 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.05 pCi/L or less

This Utility

1 pCi/L

Legal Limit

5 pCi/L

National Average

0.46 pCi/L

State Average

0.22 pCi/L
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2014-2019.
pCi/L = picocuries per liter

Health Risks

EWG applied the health guideline of 0.05 pCi/L, defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal for radium-226, to radium-226 and radium-228 combined. This health guideline protects against cancer.
VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

industry icon

Industry

naturally occuring icon

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

ion exchange icon

Ion Exchange

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)†

Potential Effect: cancer156x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY23.4 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.15 ppb
LEGAL LIMIT80 ppb
DETAILS
X

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

more about
this contaminant

Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 156 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.15 ppb or less

This Utility

23.4 ppb

Legal Limit

80 ppb

National Average

29.7 ppb

State Average

38.5 ppb
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The health guideline of 0.15 parts per billion, or ppb, for the group of four trihalomethanes, or THM4/TTHM, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level.
VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

water treatment icon

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Trichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer54x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY5.38 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Trichloroacetic acid

more about
this contaminant

Trichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Trichloroacetic acid was found at 54 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

5.38 ppb

National Average

6.62 ppb

State Average

8.77 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

water treatment icon

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

carbon filter icon

Activated Carbon

reverse osmosis icon

Reverse Osmosis

Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; radiological contaminants detected between 2014 and 2019.

† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.

Other Contaminants Tested

✕

Chemicals tested for but not detected from 2014 to 2019:

1,1,1-Trichloroethane , 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-2-(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-ethoxy), 1,1,2-Trichloroethane , 1,1-Dichloroethylene , 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene , 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) , 1,2-Dichloroethane , 1,2-Dichloropropane , 10:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (10:2 FTSA) , 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate , 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) , 2,4-D , 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) , 4:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (4:2 FTSA) , 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTSA) , 8:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (8:2 FTSA) , 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate , Alachlor (Lasso) , Antimony , Arsenic , Asbestos , Atrazine , Barium , Benzene , Benzo[a]pyrene , Beryllium , Cadmium , Carbofuran , Carbon tetrachloride , Chlordane , Chromium (total) , cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene , Cyanide , Dalapon , Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate , Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate , Dichloromethane (methylene chloride) , Dinoseb , Endrin , Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-[1-[difluoro[(1,2,2-trifluo, Ethylbenzene , Ethylene dibromide , Heptachlor , Heptachlor epoxide , Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) , Hexachlorocyclopentadiene , Lindane , Manganese , Mercury (inorganic) , Methoxychlor , Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene) , N-(3-dimethylaminopropan-1-yl)perfluoro-1-hexane-s, N-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-N-[3-(1H,1H,2H,2H-p, N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N, N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid , N-[3-(perfluoro-1-hexanesulfonamido)propan-1-yl]-N, Nitrate , Nitrate & nitrite , Nitrite , o-Dichlorobenzene , Oxamyl (Vydate) , p-Dichlorobenzene , Pentachlorophenol , Perfluoro(3,5,7,9,11-pentaoxadodecanoic) acid , Perfluoro(3,5,7,9-tetraoxadecanoic) acid (PFO4DA) , Perfluoro-2-ethoxypropanoic acid (PEPA) , Perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA) , Perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (GenX) , Perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA) , Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) , Perfluorodecane Sulfonic Acid (PFDoS) , Perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (PFDS) , Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) , Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) , Perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS) , Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA) , Perfluorohexadecanoic acid (PFHxDA) , Perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA) , Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) , Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) , Perfluorononanesulfonic acid (PFNS) , Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) , Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) , Perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) , Perfluoropentane sulfonic acid (PFPeS) , Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) , Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA) , Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) , Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) , Picloram , Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) , Propanoic acid, 3-[1-[difluoro(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro, Selenium , Simazine , Styrene , Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) , Thallium , Toluene , Toxaphene , trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene , Trichloroethylene , Vinyl chloride , Xylenes (total)

The Village of Bald Head Island compliance with legally mandated federal standards:

  • From April 2019 to March 2021, The Village of Bald Head Island complied with health-based drinking water standards.
  • 4 QUARTERS
    in violation of any federal drinking water standard from April 2019 to March 2021

Information in this section on The Village of Bald Head Island comes from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online database (ECHO).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS UTILITY

Water Filters That Can Reduce Contaminant Levels

ContaminantActivated Carbonactivated carbonReverse Osmosisreverse osmosisIon Exchangeion exchange
CONTAMINANTS ABOVE
HEALTH GUIDELINES
Bromodichloromethane✔✔
Chloroform✔✔
Dibromoacetic acid✔✔
Dibromochloromethane✔✔
Dichloroacetic acid✔✔
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)✔✔
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)✔✔
Radium, combined (-226 & -228)✔✔
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)✔✔
Trichloroacetic acid✔✔
OTHER CONTAMINANTS
DETECTED
Bromoform✔✔
Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-[1-[difluoro(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)methyl]-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy]-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro✔✔
Fluoride✔
Monobromoacetic acid✔✔
Monochloroacetic acid✔✔
Perfluoro(3,5,7-trioxaoctanoic) acid (PFO3OA)✔✔
Perfluoro(3,5-dioxahexanoic) acid (PFO2HxA)✔✔
Perfluoro-2-methoxypropanoic acid (PMPA)✔✔
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)✔✔

Take Action

Contact Your Local Official

One of the best ways to push for cleaner water is to hold accountable the elected officials who have a say in water quality – from city hall and the state legislature to Congress all the way to the Oval Office – by asking questions and demanding answers.

LEARN MORE

Filter Out Contaminants

Check out our recommendations for filters to protect your water against the detected contaminants.

EWG’S WATER FILTER GUIDE
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