WaterVerge

Is Raleigh, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Copper, Chromium-6 and 5 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

676K residents served 96 water systems PWSID: NC0392010
Overall Score
30.7 / 100
Violations
584 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#416 of 417 in North Carolina Top 100% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
30.7/100
waterverge.com
F 30.7/100

Raleigh, NC — Water Quality Report

Raleigh's drinking water received a grade of F (30.7 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 96 water systems serve approximately 675,724 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. UCMR 5 testing detected 10 PFAS compounds, with levels exceeding EPA maximum contaminant levels in the water supply.

The system has 3207 violations on record, including 241 health-based violations. 584 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Raleigh's water

Raleigh ranks #416 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

Of particular concern: PFAS "forever chemical" levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. These synthetic compounds don't break down naturally and require specialized filtration such as reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 11.00 µg/L, above California's 10 µg/L limit. There is no federal MCL, but the EPA is reviewing evidence linking long-term exposure to cancer risk.

As a major metropolitan system serving over 676K residents, Raleigh faces large-scale infrastructure challenges including aging pipes and the complexity of treating water across a vast distribution network.

The system has seen 276 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
30.7 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
2.7/20
F
10 PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Raleigh, NC water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Raleigh's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (30.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 96 water systems serve approximately 675,724 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

584
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 compounds
PFAS Detected
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Raleigh

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

PFAS
10 PFAS "forever chemical" compounds detected

PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration recommended.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Raleigh's water quality assessment. Grade: F (30.7/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
28 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: Toluene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Ethylbenzene.

Disaster
HURRICANE IAN

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Raleigh's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.40 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

PFAS (10 compounds) Elevated
Detected: Highest: lithium at 16.3000 µg/L Limit: 0.004 µg/L (EPA MCL)

PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filtration strongly recommended.

Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium) Exceeds Limit
Detected: 11.00 µg/L Limit: 10 µg/L (California MCL — no federal limit)

The "Erin Brockovich" chemical. There is no federal MCL, but California has set a limit of 10 µg/L. Reverse osmosis filtration is effective at removing hexavalent chromium.

PFAS "forever chemicals" detected

UCMR 5 testing found 10 PFAS compounds in Raleigh's water supply. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment and the human body.

Compound Level EPA MCL Status
lithium 16.3000 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFHxS 0.1526 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFPeA 0.0591 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit
PFHxA 0.0573 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Within Limit

Violation history

Raleigh's water system has 3,207 total violations on record, including 241 health-based violations. 584 remain unresolved. 276 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCLRPTMONTT
Most recent violations:
Dec 2025 Public Notice Open
Nov 2025 Public Notice Open
Nov 2025 Public Notice Open
Oct 2025 Toluene Resolved
Oct 2025 cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene Resolved

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 Lake Crabtree, Crabtree, Richland Lake, Lake Lynn, Crabtree Creek.

HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3586
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA DR-3534
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3423

Where does Raleigh's water come from?

Raleigh's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 96 water systems serving approximately 675,724 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Crabtree (lake), Crabtree (river), Richland Lake (lake), Lake Lynn (lake), Crabtree Creek (river).

What Raleigh residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: Reverse osmosis system. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Raleigh's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Raleigh'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.40 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +8% over limit
Exceeds Limit
lithium
PFAS / Forever Chemical
Near MCL
16.3000 µg/L
EPA MCL: 0.004 µg/L · +20% over limit
Detected
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
13.5 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 22% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 4.1 µg/LHAA9: 17.1 µg/L
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Over CA Limit
11.00 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · +10% over limit
Over CA MCLUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Over HRL
2700.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over HRLUCMR 3 Data
1,4-Dioxane
Organic
Elevated
0.25 µg/L
EPA Health Advisory: 0.35 µg/L · 71% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Manganese
Inorganic
Over SMCL
1120.0 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over SMCLUCMR 4 Data
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine)
Disinfection Byproduct
Over CA PHG
13.0 ng/L
CA Public Health Goal: 10 ng/L · +20% over limit
Over CA PHGProbable CarcinogenUCMR 2 Data (2008–2010)
Vanadium
Inorganic
Elevated
14.00 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 67% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Over HA
4000.0 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Over HA
48.00 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · +20% over limit
Over Health AdvisoryUCMR 3 Data
Cobalt
Inorganic
Detected
7.40 µg/L
No federal limit: N/A µg/L · 50% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 3 Data
Lithium
Inorganic
Detected
16.3 µg/L
State screening level: 60 µg/L · 27% of limit
DetectedNo federal MCLUCMR 5 Data (2023–2025)
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
10
Detected
2
Exceed EPA MCL
7.92
Hazard Index
PFOS max: 0.0213 µg/L PFOA max: 0.0104 µg/L
Compliance Record

Violation summary

3207
Total violations
241
Health-based
584
Active / unresolved
Dec 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

3207 Total
584 Active
241 Health-based
2623 Resolved
7 SNC
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
641
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
524
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
501
Volatile Organic Chemicals
399
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
256
Dec 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2025 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Aug 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
May 2025 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Apr 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 3207 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Raleigh

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Raleigh, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 23,480 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
MALLINCKRODT PHARMACEUTICALS
Chemicals · MEH INC
RALEIGH, NC27616
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)23,4776.5 mi
CONCRETE SUPPLY CO. LLC - DURANT PARK
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CONCRETE SUPPLY CO LLC
RALEIGH, NC27616
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)34.9 mi
KELLANOVA - CARY BAKERY
Food · KELLANOVA MANUFACTURING LLC
CARY, NC27513
9.5 mi
ARGOS READY MIX CARY CONCRETE PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · SUMMIT MATERIALS LLC
CARY, NC27513
7.7 mi
ARGOS KNIGHTDALE CONCRETE PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · SUMMIT MATERIALS LLC
KNIGHTDALE, NC27545
8.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Raleigh

Superfund sites nearby

Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Durham 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
9.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Oct 2022
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

Oct 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3586
Aug 2020
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA #3534
Sep 2019
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA #3423
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3401
Oct 2016
HURRICANE MATTHEW
Hurricane FEMA #4285
Oct 2016
HURRICANE MATTHEW
Hurricane FEMA #3380

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Raleigh's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🧪
For PFAS
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Carbon Block
PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.40 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium 16.300 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA 0.018 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFBS 0.040 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA 0.014 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA 0.057 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFHxS 0.153 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA 0.010 0.004 µg/L PFAS Over MCL
PFOS 0.021 0.004 µg/L PFAS Over MCL
PFPeA 0.059 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFPeS 0.036 HI µg/L PFAS Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.0 ppb from 1992 (5.0 ppb) to 2027 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.294 mg/L from 1993 (1.806 mg/L) to 2025 (2.100 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
675,724
Water Systems
96
Source breakdown
Groundwater
95
Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Raleigh's water comes from

Surface Water

Raleigh's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 675,724 people through 96 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Raleigh

Raleigh is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Lake Crabtree
lake
Crabtree
river
Richland Lake
lake
Lake Lynn
lake
Crabtree Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Raleigh

System Name PWSID Population Source
RALEIGH, CITY OF NC0392010 640,000 SW
BAYLEAF MASTER NC0392373 15,585 GW
STONEHENGE S/D NC0392298 1,840 GW
ROYAL SENTER RIDGE S/D NC4392140 740 GW
MALLARDS CROSSING S/D NC0392356 709 GW
MYATT MILL S/D NC0392085 676 GW
LYNNHAVEN-CROWSDALE NC0392253 650 GW
GLENDALE MASTER SYSTEM NC0392293 633 GW
ALL STAR MHP NC0392102 530 GW
BRIARWOOD/KILDAIRE NC0392383 517 GW
CROSS CREEK MHP NC0392351 467 GW
HAMPTON RIDGE S/D NC0392376 460 GW
MEADOW RIDGE S/D NC0392363 453 GW
TRADEWINDS S/D NC0392094 442 GW
DEERFIELD PARK S/D NC0392250 440 GW
SADDLERIDGE S/D NC4392103 433 GW
WAKEFIELD S/D NC0392155 408 GW
BROOKSTONE S/D NC4392112 399 GW
OLDE MILL TRACE S/D NC4092168 394 GW
NEUSE RIVER VILLAGE MHP NC0392225 333 GW
ALTICE ESTATES S/D NC0392323 330 GW
SOUTHWOOD-SURRY RIDGE S/D NC0392338 314 GW
STEVENS OAKS NC4392181 292 GW
NEUSE WOODS MH S/D NC0392168 287 GW
KNIGHTDALE MHP ESTATES LLC NC0392214 285 GW
BERKSHIRE DOWNS NC0392320 277 GW
HEATHERSTONE WEST S/D NC4392119 234 GW
SOUTH MOUNTAIN S/D NC4392120 234 GW
KANATA MILLS S/D NC4092145 233 GW
EAGLE CREEK S/D NC4392128 223 GW
MORNINGTON S/D NC4092153 218 GW
THE POINTE S/D NC0392348 203 GW
FOXMOOR S/D NC4392163 203 GW
LAKEFALL S/D NC4392143 188 GW
CAMBRIDGE S/D NC0392251 185 GW
RIVERVIEW NORTH NC0392163 180 GW
WOODSCREEK S/D NC0392261 180 GW
LAKE WHEELER MHP NC0392149 180 GW
YATES MILL RUN S/D NC0392090 178 GW
WATERSTONE RESERVE NC4092136 175 GW
OAK CHASE S/D NC4392122 175 GW
JACKSON MANOR S/D NC4092146 175 GW
BUFFALOE ROAD MHP NC0392144 162 GW
DEVONSHIRE S/D NC4092057 150 GW
WEXFORD S/D NC0332140 148 GW
WOODSPRING S/D NC4392123 147 GW
WOODS OF ASHBURY SD NC0392388 144 GW
YATES MILL ESTATES NC4092131 140 GW
EMERALD VILLAGE S/D NC0392128 125 GW
INWOOD FOREST NC4092105 125 GW
ROBINFIELD ESTATES S/D NC0392350 124 GW
BELLA VISTA S/D NC4092128 120 GW
WORTHINGTON S/D NC4392158 119 GW
LAKEVIEW MOBILE ESTATES NC0392151 114 GW
WILLOW BLUFFS V NC4092060 114 GW
BAILEY`S LANDING S/D NC4392192 114 GW
RIVER OAKS S/D NC0392096 112 GW
SWEETWATER S/D NC4092166 110 GW
SOUTHERN MEADOWS S/D NC4092061 109 GW
LAKEWOOD ESTATES NC0392294 102 GW
STEEPLECHASE S/D NC0392117 101 GW
MONTICELLO S/D NC0392362 101 GW
RIVER CHASE SD NC4092056 95 GW
RIVERVIEW ESTATES NC0392278 94 GW
ROUNDTREE S/D NC0392219 88 GW
WESLEY WOODS NC0392337 87 GW
KENWOOD MEADOWS S/D NC4392111 86 GW
SQUIRE ESTATES S/D NC0392308 84 GW
BLOOMFIELD ESTATES NC4092201 84 GW
PINEVIEW ESTATES NC0392177 83 GW
JEFFERSON HILL S/D NC4092031 81 GW
BIRCH FALLS S/D NC0392325 76 GW
DUXFORD S/D NC4392116 76 GW
WATKIN`S MHP NC0392202 74 GW
WILLOW CREEK S/D NC0392230 74 GW
WETHERBURN WOODS NC0392086 73 GW
MILLSTONE LANDING S/D NC4392139 73 GW
Forbes Mobile Home Park MN1690008 70 GW
LEONE LANDING NC4092127 69 GW
LAKESIDE ESTATES NC0392150 61 GW
ROYAL ACRES S/D NC0392186 61 GW
COUNTRY RIDGE S/D NC0392313 60 GW
BAILEY`S AT GLENMOOR S/D NC4092160 59 GW
ROLLING ACRES S/D NC0392247 58 GW
HERITAGE SPRING ACRES NC0392137 56 GW
PARRISH MEADOWS S/D NC0392141 55 GW
ARROW SPRINGS NC0392374 53 GW
WILLOW WINDS S/D NC0392315 50 GW
ROLLING MEADOW S/D NC0392366 48 GW
ARLINGTON S/D NC4092184 46 GW
TRINITY FARMS S/D NC0392274 42 GW
RESERVE AT FALLS LAKE (PHASE 4) NC4092213 41 GW
SANCTUARY AT LAKE WHEELER NC4092207 39 GW
FALLS PRESERVE S/D NC4092088 36 GW
FARM ROAD TRAILER PARK NC0392131 28 GW
NORWOOD S/D NC4092199 25 GW
Regional Comparison

How Raleigh compares

Full North Carolina rankings →

Raleigh's score of 30.7/100 is below the average of 47/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Raleigh (this city)
30.7
Charlotte
36.5
Durham
36.6
Greensboro
33.5
North Carolina avg
47
City Profile

About Raleigh, NC

Wikipedia →

Raleigh is the capital city of the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the second-most populous city in the state, tenth most populous city in the Southeast, the largest city in the Research Triangle area, and the 39th-most populous city in the U.S. Known as the "City of Oaks" for its oak-lined streets, Raleigh covers 148.54 square miles (384.7 km2) and had a population of 467,665 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Wake County and is named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who founded the lost Roanoke Colony.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Raleigh, NC tap water safe to drink?

Raleigh's water quality earned a grade of F (30.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #416 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.

What contaminants are in Raleigh's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 PFAS compounds were detected. 3207 violations are on record.

How is Raleigh'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 Raleigh?

PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is recommended.

Where does Raleigh's water come from?

Raleigh's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 96 water systems serving approximately 675,724 residents.

What health violations has Raleigh's water system had?

Raleigh has 241 health-based violations 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. 584 violations remain unresolved.

Why does Raleigh have so many PFAS compounds in its water?

10 different PFAS "forever chemical" compounds were detected in Raleigh's water supply during UCMR 5 testing. PFAS contamination often originates from proximity to military installations (AFFF firefighting foam), airports, industrial manufacturing sites, or wastewater treatment facilities. Some levels exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels — a reverse osmosis or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is strongly recommended.

How does Raleigh's water compare to other cities?

Raleigh ranks #416 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 0% of state cities) and #15678 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.