Is Chapel Hill, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Chapel Hill, NC — Water Quality Report
Chapel Hill's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 27 water systems serve approximately 4,325 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 1604 violations on record, including 66 health-based violations. 398 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chapel Hill's water
Chapel Hill ranks #369 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Chapel Hill relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
The system has seen 147 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chapel Hill, NC water safe to drink?
Chapel Hill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 27 water systems serve approximately 4,325 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chapel Hill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chapel Hill's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chapel Hill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Chapel Hill's water system has 1,604 total violations on record, including 66 health-based violations. 398 remain unresolved. 147 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wake County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Bond Lake, Coles Branch Reservoir, Hatchers Grove Reservoir, Page Lake, Sorrells Grove Reservoir.
Where does Chapel Hill's water come from?
Chapel Hill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 27 water systems serving approximately 4,325 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bond Lake (lake), Coles Branch Reservoir (lake), Hatchers Grove Reservoir (lake), Page Lake (lake), Sorrells Grove Reservoir (lake).
What Chapel Hill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chapel Hill's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Chapel Hill's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Chapel Hill
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chapel Hill, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WILMORE ELECTRONICS CO INC HILLSBOROUGH, NC27278 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
BRENNTAG MID-SOUTH DURHAM, NC27703 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
WOLFSPEED INC. (RTP) RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC27709 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
FOUNDATION LABS BY PLY GEM LLC DURHAM, NC27713 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
ARGOS READY MIX HWY 55 CONCRETE PLANT DURHAM, NC27713 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtChatham County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Wake County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Chapel Hill's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chapel Hill compares by contaminant
Explore where Chapel Hill ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chapel Hill's water comes from
Chapel Hill's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 4,325 people through 27 water systems.
Water bodies near Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chapel Hill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STONERIDGE MASTER | NC0368185 | 675 | GW |
| BEECHWOOD COVE/POLKS LANDING | NC0319110 | 406 | SWP |
| CHATHAM S/D | NC0319104 | 365 | SWP |
| COLVARD FARMS S/D | NC4019004 | 365 | GW |
| RIDGEWOOD MHP | NC0368130 | 330 | GW |
| ROBIN`S WOOD | NC0368145 | 246 | GW |
| NORTHWOOD S/D | NC0368179 | 208 | GW |
| THE TRAILS S/D | NC0368182 | 200 | GW |
| BINGHAM WOODS MHP | NC0368188 | 190 | GW |
| WOODBRIDGE S/D | NC0319135 | 143 | GW |
| HILL TOP MHP | NC0368118 | 139 | GW |
| CEDAR TERRACE APARTMENTS | NC0319132 | 123 | GW |
| WILDCAT CREEK S/D | NC0368116 | 114 | GW |
| CHATHAM PINES LLC | NC0319120 | 98 | GW |
| EUGLENA JUNCTION | NC0368162 | 96 | GW |
| HEARTWOOD S/D | NC0368189 | 94 | GW |
| SOUTH GROVE SUBDIVISION | NC4068021 | 75 | GW |
| RILEY`S MHP | NC0368160 | 65 | GW |
| OAK GROVE MHP | NC0368152 | 64 | GW |
| STURBRIDGE VILLAGE | NC0368190 | 53 | GW |
| FOXBORO ESTATES | NC0368144 | 48 | GW |
| CEDAR VILLAGE II | NC0319130 | 46 | GW |
| POLKS TRAIL S/D | NC0319134 | 43 | GW |
| MANNSFIELD CONDOMINIUMS | NC0319133 | 41 | GW |
| CEDAR LAKE CONDO | NC0319128 | 40 | GW |
| MORRIS GROVE HEIGHTS | NC0368164 | 33 | GW |
| HOMESTEAD MHP | NC0368119 | 25 | GW |
How Chapel Hill compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Chapel Hill's score of 43/100 is on par with the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Chapel Hill, NC
Wikipedia →Cary is a town in Wake, Chatham, and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina and is part of the Raleigh-Cary, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2020 census, its population was 174,721, making it the seventh-most populous municipality in North Carolina, and the 146th-most populous in the United States. In 2023, the town's population had increased to 180,010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chapel Hill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Chapel Hill, NC tap water safe to drink?
Chapel Hill's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #369 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Chapel Hill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1604 violations are on record.
How is Chapel Hill's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Chapel Hill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chapel Hill's water come from?
Chapel Hill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 27 water systems serving approximately 4,325 residents.
What health violations has Chapel Hill's water system had?
Chapel Hill has 66 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 398 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chapel Hill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chapel Hill uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 1604 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Chapel Hill's water compare to other cities?
Chapel Hill ranks #369 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 12% of state cities) and #14672 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.