Water system
City of Bessemer City
What this means for you
- Is it safe to drink right now?
- Based on the latest EPA data, City of Bessemer City has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
- Should I use a filter?
- Yes, we recommend considering one. Average PFOA was above the 4 ppt federal limit (compliance deadline April 2029).
- What kind of filter?
- For PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 53 (with an explicit PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS claim) or NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis. See matched standards and product picks.
This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.
PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5
| Chemical | Highest location average | Highest single sample | Federal limit | Detections/samples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 4.9 ppt | 5.8 ppt | 4 ppt | 4/4 |
| PFHxA | 13.4 ppt | 21 ppt | none | 4/4 |
| PFBA | 4.2 ppt | 6.5 ppt | none | 3/4 |
| PFHpA | 6.9 ppt | 8.2 ppt | none | 4/4 |
| PFPeA | 14.3 ppt | 18 ppt | none | 4/4 |
| 6:2 FTS | 1.3 ppt | 5 ppt | none | 1/4 |
4 PFAS tested and not detected
PFOS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, PFHxS (4 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).
Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).
Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.
Lithium (also tested in UCMR 5, not a PFAS; no federal limit): highest location average 13 ppb.
Lead and copper
Violations (last 5 years)
| Began | Type | Contaminant / rule | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10-17 | Reporting problem | LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | Resolved |
| 2024-10-17 | Required treatment not done | LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS | Resolved |
| 2024-10-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | TTHM | Resolved |
| 2024-10-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Resolved |
| 2024-10-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2024-01-01 | Required treatment not done | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2023-10-01 | Required treatment not done | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2023-07-01 | Required treatment not done | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2023-07-01 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Consumer Confidence Rule | Resolved |
| 2023-05-11 | Reporting problem | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Addressed |
| 2023-04-01 | Required treatment not done | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2023-04-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2023-03-10 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Public Notice | Resolved |
| 2023-03-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | TTHM | Resolved |
| 2023-03-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Resolved |
| 2023-01-01 | Required treatment not done | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2022-10-01 | Required treatment not done | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2022-10-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
Filters matched to this water
Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.
PFOA
NSF/ANSI 53 (PFOA/PFOS claim)NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)Chlorine/chloramine taste
NSF/ANSI 42Annual water quality report
Utilities must publish a Consumer Confidence Report every year by July 1. Find it on the utility’s website or ask them directly; EPA explains how.