West Carteret Water Corp Water Company

Currently, West Carteret Water Corp draws water from five 10-inch wells located in the Croatan National Forest plus one 6-inch well. These wells reach an average depth of 280 feet, accessing the Castle Hayne Aquifer. The wells are equipped with either 40-hp or 50-hp pumps capable of producing approximately 600 gallons per minute (GPM), except for Well No. 2 which produces about 375 GPM.

Raw water is pumped to the treatment facility at 4104 Highway 24 near Ocean. The water first passes through an aerator before being stored in two 50,000-gallon ground storage tanks adjacent to the plant. Since September 2008, the treatment process includes iron removal as needed, followed by softening using Cation Resin. This process reduces hardness levels to approximately 50-60 ppm (2.9-3.5 grains per gallon).

After softening, the water undergoes color (tannin) removal using Anion Resin vessels. The water then receives ortho-polyphosphate as needed for corrosion control in the distribution system. Chlorination follows in the treatment process, after which the water enters a detention tank before receiving hydrogen treatment.

The North Carolina Division of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Public Water Supply (PWS) Section, Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) regularly conducts assessments of all drinking water sources across North Carolina. These assessments determine each water source's susceptibility to Potential Contaminant Sources (PCSs), with ratings of high, moderate, or lower based on contaminant ranking and natural vulnerability characteristics.

West Carteret Water Corp routinely monitors for over 150 contaminants according to Federal and State regulations. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Unless otherwise noted, test results are from January through December sampling periods, with some data being more than one year old as EPA or State requirements allow less frequent monitoring for certain contaminants.

Common Water Customer Questions

1. Where does West Carteret Water Corp water come from?
   West Carteret Water Corp supplies groundwater to Newport, North Carolina.
2. Does West Carteret Water Corp test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, West Carteret Water Corp must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact West Carteret Water Corp?
   Call 252-393-1515 or visit 4102 Hwy 24, Newport, NC 28570, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does West Carteret Water Corp water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is West Carteret Water Corp water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.