Is Kernersville, 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 ↓
55.2/100
waterverge.com Kernersville, NC — Water Quality Report
Kernersville's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 3,487 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 343 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 48 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kernersville's water
Kernersville ranks #306 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Kernersville 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 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kernersville, NC water safe to drink?
Kernersville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 3,487 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kernersville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kernersville's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Kernersville'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
Kernersville's water system has 343 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 48 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mecklenburg County has experienced 6 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 Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg, Reedy Creek, Gar Creek, Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is, Long Creek.
Where does Kernersville's water come from?
Kernersville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 11 water systems serving approximately 3,487 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mallard Cr Bl Stony Cr Nr Harrisburg (river), Reedy Creek (river), Gar Creek (river), Catawba River Dnstrm Deck Mtn Is Dam Nr Mtn Is (river), Long Creek (river).
What Kernersville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kernersville'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.
Kernersville'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 Kernersville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kernersville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 28 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLARIOS LLC KERNERSVILLE, NC27284 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 25 | 4.5 mi |
GILBARCO INC GREENSBORO, NC27410 | Lead | 2 | 8.7 mi |
JOHN DEERE KERNERSVILLE LLC KERNERSVILLE, NC27284 | Lead | 1 | 0.5 mi |
ADAMS AN OLDCASTLE CO-COLFAX COLFAX, NC27235 | Lead | 0 | 4.8 mi |
THE HARRIS PRODUCTS GROUP/WINSTON SALEM WINSTON SALEM, NC27101 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtForsyth 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
Mecklenburg County has experienced 6 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 Kernersville'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. | 1.5 | 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. | 3.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kernersville compares by contaminant
Explore where Kernersville ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kernersville's water comes from
Kernersville'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 3,487 people through 11 water systems.
Water bodies near Kernersville
Kernersville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kernersville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABINGTON S/D | NC0234191 | 1,506 | GW |
| GRAYSTONE/SMOKERISE WATER SYSTEM | NC0234183 | 455 | GW |
| APPLEGATE WATER SYSTEM | NC0234179 | 442 | GW |
| YORKTOWN S/D | NC0234165 | 272 | SWP |
| MCBRIDE`S MHP | NC0234167 | 190 | GW |
| MIKKOLA DOWNS S/D | NC0234193 | 154 | GW |
| DEERPATH S/D | NC0234192 | 142 | GW |
| SHILOH SUBDIVISION | NC3041104 | 131 | GW |
| PINE KNOLLS WATER SUPPLY | NC0234139 | 71 | GW |
| PEABODY FOREST S/D | NC0234199 | 66 | GW |
| STONINGTON S/D | NC0234196 | 58 | GW |
How Kernersville compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Kernersville's score of 55.2/100 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 Kernersville, NC
Wikipedia →Charlotte is the most populous city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. With a population of 874,579 at the 2020 census, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., seventh-most populous city in the South, and second-most populous city in the Southeast. The Charlotte metropolitan area, with an estimated 2.88 million residents, is the 21st-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. The Charlotte metropolitan area is part of an 18-county combined statistical area with an estimated population of 3.47 million as of 2024. It is the county seat of Mecklenburg County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kernersville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Forsyth
Frequently asked questions
Is Kernersville, NC tap water safe to drink?
Kernersville's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #306 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Kernersville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 343 violations are on record.
How is Kernersville'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 Kernersville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kernersville's water come from?
Kernersville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 11 water systems serving approximately 3,487 residents.
What health violations has Kernersville's water system had?
Kernersville has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 48 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kernersville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kernersville 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 343 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 Kernersville's water compare to other cities?
Kernersville ranks #306 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 27% of state cities) and #12547 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.