Is Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest, NC — Water Quality Report
Wake Forest's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 31 water systems serve approximately 7,725 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 377 violations on record, including 48 health-based violations. 134 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wake Forest's water
Wake Forest ranks #366 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Wake Forest 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 68 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wake Forest, NC water safe to drink?
Wake Forest'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 31 water systems serve approximately 7,725 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wake Forest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wake Forest's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Wake Forest'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
Wake Forest's water system has 377 total violations on record, including 48 health-based violations. 134 remain unresolved. 68 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 Wake Forest's water come from?
Wake Forest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 31 water systems serving approximately 7,725 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 Wake Forest residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wake Forest'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.
Wake Forest'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 Wake Forest
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wake Forest, 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 | 5.2 mi |
CONCRETE SUPPLY CO. LLC - DURANT PARK RALEIGH, NC27616 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 3 | 6.8 mi |
SUNROCK INDUSTRIES LLC - NORTH RALEIGH WAKE FOREST, NC27587 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
ARGOS READY MIX CAPITAL BLVD CONCRETE PLANT WAKE FOREST, NC27587 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
CAPTIVEAIRE SYSTEMS INC YOUNGSVILLE, NC27596 | — | — | 6.3 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
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 Wake Forest'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. | 1.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wake Forest compares by contaminant
Explore where Wake Forest ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wake Forest's water comes from
Wake Forest'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 7,725 people through 31 water systems.
Water bodies near Wake Forest
Wake Forest is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wake Forest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW LIGHT MASTER | NC4392224 | 2,619 | GW |
| DEERCHASE S/D | NC0392389 | 757 | GW |
| COTESWORTH DOWN S/D | NC4392125 | 510 | GW |
| THOMPSON MILLS S/D | NC0392098 | 460 | GW |
| MATHERLY S/D | NC0392379 | 353 | GW |
| BLACKSTONE MEADOWS | NC4092091 | 246 | GW |
| CRESCENT RIDGE S/D | NC4092011 | 242 | GW |
| GREYCLIFF MASTER | NC4092083 | 235 | GW |
| GALLOWAY S/D | NC4092027 | 231 | GW |
| TUCKAHOE S/D | NC0392333 | 221 | GW |
| CAMBERLY S/D | NC4092151 | 203 | GW |
| JONES DAIRY FARM S/D | NC0392084 | 175 | GW |
| BERKLEE RESERVE | NC4092158 | 123 | GW |
| MILL RACE | NC4392133 | 122 | GW |
| HARRISON RIDGE SUBDIVISION | NC4092074 | 117 | GW |
| LA VENTANA S/D | NC4392155 | 112 | GW |
| SUNSET MANOR S/D | NC4092094 | 97 | GW |
| WINDEMERE S/D | NC0392347 | 96 | GW |
| A COUNTRY PLACE | NC0392222 | 89 | GW |
| CHESTERFIELD VILLAGE | NC4392107 | 89 | GW |
| KINGSTON MANOR S/D | NC4092133 | 88 | GW |
| OLD FARM CROSSING S/D | NC4092048 | 84 | GW |
| PHILLIPS LANDING S/D | NC0392371 | 81 | GW |
| VERNON PLACE S/D | NC4092162 | 64 | GW |
| BAY LAUREL S/D | NC4392109 | 58 | GW |
| AVALYN S/D | NC4092165 | 58 | GW |
| YARDLEY S/D | NC4092171 | 56 | GW |
| REMINGTON FOREST S/D | NC4092028 | 45 | GW |
| ETHAN MEADOWS S/D | NC4092144 | 43 | GW |
| WHITE FLAG AT DEERCHASE S/D | NC4092014 | 26 | GW |
| WHISPERING PINES MHP | NC0392207 | 25 | GW |
How Wake Forest compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Wake Forest'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 Wake Forest, 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 Wake Forest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wake
Frequently asked questions
Is Wake Forest, NC tap water safe to drink?
Wake Forest's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #366 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Wake Forest's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 377 violations are on record.
How is Wake Forest'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 Wake Forest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wake Forest's water come from?
Wake Forest's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 31 water systems serving approximately 7,725 residents.
What health violations has Wake Forest's water system had?
Wake Forest has 48 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 134 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wake Forest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wake Forest 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 377 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 Wake Forest's water compare to other cities?
Wake Forest ranks #366 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 12% of state cities) and #14662 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.