Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

EPA files for Durham, NC document 512 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.

Water Quality Map: Durham, NC

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Durham

Water quality varies across Durham's 16 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
27704	B	82	32	2	View report →
27705	B	82	32	2	View report →
27707	B	82	32	2	View report →
27712	B	82	32	2	View report →
27701	A	87	32	2	View report →
27703	A	87	32	2	View report →
27713	A	87	32	2	View report →
27706	A	92	32	2	View report →
27715	A	92	32	2	View report →
27702	A	95	32	2	View report →
27708	A	95	32	2	View report →
27709	A	95	32	2	View report →
27710	A	95	32	2	View report →
27711	A	95	32	2	View report →
27717	A	95	32	2	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Durham, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 90 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

The 5 water systems serving Durham have accumulated 512 EPA violations, including 32 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 16 ZIP codes serving approximately 323,759 people.

What Grade A Means

A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Durham's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Lead Levels

The average 90th percentile lead level across Durham water systems is 0.0056 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.

With 46% of homes built before 1986, Durham has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.

Water Systems Serving Durham

Durham is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 323,759 people across 16 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 160 enforcement actions against water systems serving Durham. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.

How to Check Your Water in Durham

1. Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores

2. Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants

3. 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

4. Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics

5. Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts

Contaminants Detected in Durham Water Systems

The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Durham's water systems:

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.

EPA Enforcement History

The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Durham. Recent actions:

Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-27.

Durham vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities

How Durham's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:

Recommended Water Filters for Durham

Based on contaminants detected in Durham's water supply, these filter types are recommended:

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)

• Removes: TTHM
• Effectiveness: 80-99%
• Cost range: $400–$2000
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
• Recommended products:
  • Aquasana AQ-5200
  • Aquasana EQ-1000 Rhino

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)

• Removes: HAA5
• Effectiveness: 60-80%
• Cost range: $100–$600
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
• Recommended products:
  • Aquasana AQ-5200
  • Aquasana EQ-1000 Rhino

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)

• Removes: Chloramines
• Effectiveness: 95-99%
• Cost range: $100–$600
• Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
• Recommended products:
  • Aquasana AQ-5200
  • Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
  • Berkey Travel

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Durham

Water quality varies across Durham's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:

Common Questions About Durham Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Durham, North Carolina:

Is Durham water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Durham's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Durham tap water? Durham's water receives a grade of A (90/100). There are 32 health-based violations — consider filtration.

What is the best water filter for Durham? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Durham vs. North Carolina Average

Understanding how Durham 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 Durham.

ZIP Codes in Durham

Durham spans 16 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 27701. 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.

Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way

Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:

Annual Water Testing

EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.

Maintenance Filtration

A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.

Plumbing Check

Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.