Is Climax, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
56.2/100
waterverge.com Climax, NC — Water Quality Report
Climax's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 707 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 128 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Climax's water
Climax ranks #299 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Climax 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.
As a small community water system, Climax may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Climax, NC water safe to drink?
Climax's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 707 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Climax
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Climax's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Climax'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
Climax's water system has 128 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 20 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Forsyth County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Reedy Fork, Brush Creek, East Fork Deep River.
Where does Climax's water come from?
Climax's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 707 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Reedy Fork (river), Brush Creek (river), East Fork Deep River (river).
What Climax residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Climax'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Climax'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
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtRandolph 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
Forsyth County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Climax'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. | 4.1 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.800 mg/L (1996)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Climax compares by contaminant
Explore where Climax ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Climax's water comes from
Climax'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 707 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Climax
Climax is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Climax
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANTEBURY TRAILS | NC0276125 | 279 | GW |
| PIEDMONT ESTATES | NC0276149 | 233 | GW |
| POPLAR RIDGE MHP | NC0276205 | 195 | GW |
How Climax compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Climax's score of 56.2/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Climax, NC
Wikipedia →Kernersville is a town in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and the largest suburb of Winston-Salem. The population was 26,481 at the 2020 census, the increase from 23,123 in 2010. The town is located inside the overall center of the Piedmont Triad. One small vicinity of the town is also located in Guilford County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Climax's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Randolph
Frequently asked questions
Is Climax, NC tap water safe to drink?
Climax's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #299 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Climax's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 128 violations are on record.
How is Climax'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 Climax?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Climax's water come from?
Climax's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 707 residents.
What health violations has Climax's water system had?
Climax has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Climax's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Climax 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 128 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 Climax's water compare to other cities?
Climax ranks #299 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 28% of state cities) and #12476 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.