Craven County, North Carolina: drinking water report. Craven County on North Carolina's central coast has about 103,000 residents, with New Bern as the…
Craven County on North Carolina's central coast has about 103,000 residents, with New Bern as the county seat. The Neuse River provides the primary water source, with the City of New Bern and Craven County water systems drawing from river intakes. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point – one of the Marine Corps' largest air stations – occupies a large area in the southern part of the county along the Neuse River estuary.
MCAS Cherry Point has confirmed PFAS contamination from AFFF firefighting foam. According to the Navy's 2024 environmental investigation, groundwater monitoring near the base's fire training areas shows PFOS concentrations above 200 ppt. The contamination has been detected in off-base wells in the Havelock area. North Carolina's health goal for combined PFAS is 70 ppt, and the state is developing enforceable standards.
The Neuse River carries nutrient loading from upstream agricultural and municipal sources, contributing to algal blooms in the estuary. A 2024 NC DEQ water quality report documented total nitrogen concentrations at the New Bern gauge averaging 1.8 mg/L – contributing to the Neuse's ongoing eutrophication problem.
Craven County residents near Cherry Point face documented PFAS exposure risk, particularly those on private wells in the Havelock and surrounding areas. The Marine Corps has been conducting residential well testing – contact the base's environmental office if you have not been tested.
Check your water for current monitoring data. For PFAS, reverse osmosis provides the highest household removal rate. Our water filter guide ranks systems by certified PFAS performance. Pull your detailed report for local data, and visit our North Carolina page for statewide context.