Water Quality in Chapel Hill, NC: 255 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 43/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Chapel Hill's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for Chapel Hill, NC show 255 EPA violations documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality Map: Chapel Hill, NC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Chapel Hill
Water quality varies across Chapel Hill's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27514 | C | 61 | 51 | 10 | View report → |
| 27517 | C | 66 | 51 | 10 | View report → |
| 27516 | B | 71 | 51 | 10 | View report → |
| 27599 | B | 75 | 51 | 10 | View report → |
| 27515 | B | 76 | 51 | 10 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Chapel Hill.
Water Quality Overview
Chapel Hill, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 43 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Chapel Hill have accumulated 255 EPA violations, including 50 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,973 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Chapel Hill's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Chapel Hill water systems is 0.0030 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Chapel Hill is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,973 people across 5 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 50 enforcement actions against water systems serving Chapel Hill. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Chapel Hill
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Chapel Hill Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Chapel Hill's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 40 | 5 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 40 | 5 | Yes |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 35 | 5 | No |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 30 | 5 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 20 | 5 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 20 | 5 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 15 | 5 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 15 | 5 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 5 | 5 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 5 | 5 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Chapel Hill:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 10 | 10 |
| 2024 | 30 | 30 |
Violations have increased from 10 in 2022 to 30 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Chapel Hill. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-15 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-15 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-08-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-08-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-11 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-25.
Chapel Hill vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Chapel Hill's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapel Hill | D | 255 | 5 | 2,973 |
| Grifton | B | 0 | 1 | 2,982 |
| Kernersville | B | 6 | 5 | 2,954 |
| Barnardsville | D | 0 | 1 | 3,030 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Chapel Hill
Water quality varies across Chapel Hill's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27514 | 61 | C | 51 | 10 |
| 27517 | 66 | C | 51 | 10 |
| 27516 | 71 | B | 51 | 10 |
| 27599 | 75 | B | 51 | 10 |
| 27515 | 76 | B | 51 | 10 |
Common Questions About Chapel Hill Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Chapel Hill, North Carolina:
Is Chapel Hill water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Chapel Hill's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Chapel Hill tap water? Chapel Hill's water receives a grade of D (43/100). There are 50 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Chapel Hill? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Chapel Hill vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Chapel Hill compares to the broader North Carolina average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Chapel Hill.
ZIP Codes in Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 27514. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.