Is Knightdale, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Knightdale, NC — Water Quality Report
Knightdale's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 34 water systems serve approximately 10,389 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 1330 violations on record, including 208 health-based violations. 262 remain unresolved.
What to know about Knightdale's water
Knightdale ranks #334 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Knightdale 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 75 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Knightdale, NC water safe to drink?
Knightdale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 34 water systems serve approximately 10,389 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Knightdale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Knightdale's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Knightdale'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
Knightdale's water system has 1,330 total violations on record, including 208 health-based violations. 262 remain unresolved. 75 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2003. 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 Eno River, Haw River, Sandy Creek, Third Fork Creek, Third Fork.
Where does Knightdale's water come from?
Knightdale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 34 water systems serving approximately 10,389 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Eno River (river), Haw River (river), Sandy Creek (river), Third Fork Creek (river), Third Fork (river).
What Knightdale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Knightdale'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.
Knightdale'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 Knightdale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Knightdale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 23,480 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MALLINCKRODT PHARMACEUTICALS RALEIGH, NC27616 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 23,477 | 8.2 mi |
CONCRETE SUPPLY CO. LLC - DURANT PARK RALEIGH, NC27616 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 3 | 7.7 mi |
ARGOS KNIGHTDALE CONCRETE PLANT KNIGHTDALE, NC27545 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
SUNROCK INDUSTRIES LLC - NORTH RALEIGH WAKE FOREST, NC27587 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
ARGOS READY MIX CAPITAL BLVD CONCRETE PLANT WAKE FOREST, NC27587 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWake 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
Orange County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2003. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Knightdale'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. | 1.63 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Knightdale compares by contaminant
Explore where Knightdale ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Knightdale's water comes from
Knightdale'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 10,389 people through 34 water systems.
Water bodies near Knightdale
Knightdale is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Knightdale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCKBRIDGE S/D | NC4092073 | 1,042 | GW |
| AMBER ACRES NORTH S/D | NC0392346 | 752 | GW |
| AMBER RIDGE S/D | NC4392182 | 742 | GW |
| SANDY TRAIL S/D | NC0392077 | 739 | GW |
| RUTLEDGE LANDING S/D | NC4392228 | 713 | GW |
| ASHLEY HILLS NORTH S/D | NC0392341 | 602 | GW |
| BAYWOOD FOREST S/D | NC0392218 | 533 | GW |
| BARCLAY DOWNS S/D | NC0392211 | 459 | GW |
| RIDGEHAVEN S/D | NC0392184 | 455 | GW |
| ASHLEY HILLS S/D | NC0392318 | 453 | GW |
| KINGS GRANT S/D | NC0392380 | 412 | GW |
| RUTLEDGE LANDING NORTH | NC4092085 | 389 | GW |
| ACRES OF SPACE MHP | NC0392101 | 332 | GW |
| OLD MILBURNIE CROSSING S/D | NC4092092 | 262 | GW |
| AMBER ACRES | NC0392236 | 239 | GW |
| VILLAGE SQUIRE MOBILE ESTATES | NC0392199 | 232 | GW |
| VALLEY WOODS MHP | NC0392301 | 224 | GW |
| COTTONWOOD S/D | NC0392081 | 203 | GW |
| MOOREFIELD S/D | NC4392154 | 181 | GW |
| CREEKSIDE MOBILE VILLAGE | NC0392229 | 165 | GW |
| THORNBURG S/D | NC0392378 | 160 | GW |
| HIDDEN HOLLOW S/D | NC0392324 | 123 | GW |
| OAK GROVE OF KNIGHTDALE | NC0392297 | 122 | GW |
| SHADY ACRES MH VILLAGE | NC0392188 | 115 | GW |
| SUMMERFIELD MHP | NC0392126 | 110 | GW |
| AUBURN HILLS S/D | NC4392159 | 94 | GW |
| MEAD-O-VIEW MHP | NC0392158 | 90 | GW |
| PRESERVE AT LONG BRANCH | NC4092079 | 90 | GW |
| COUNTRY SQUIRE ESTATES | NC0392120 | 85 | GW |
| MEADOW GLEN S/D | NC4392174 | 84 | GW |
| OAKES PLANTATION S/D | NC0392083 | 60 | GW |
| EL CAMINO ACRES S/D | NC0392249 | 49 | GW |
| PINE COUNTRY ESTATES | NC0392264 | 44 | GW |
| CAMELOT MHP | NC0392110 | 34 | GW |
How Knightdale compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Knightdale's score of 46/100 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 Knightdale, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Knightdale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wake
Frequently asked questions
Is Knightdale, NC tap water safe to drink?
Knightdale's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #334 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Knightdale's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1330 violations are on record.
How is Knightdale'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 Knightdale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Knightdale's water come from?
Knightdale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 34 water systems serving approximately 10,389 residents.
What health violations has Knightdale's water system had?
Knightdale has 208 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 262 violations remain unresolved.
Is Knightdale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Knightdale 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 1330 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 Knightdale's water compare to other cities?
Knightdale ranks #334 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 20% of state cities) and #13935 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.