Water Quality in Raleigh, NC: 3432 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 57/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Raleigh's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Raleigh, NC has 3432 water violations.
Water Quality Map: Raleigh, NC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Raleigh
Water quality varies across Raleigh's 44 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27604 | D | 46 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27608 | D | 46 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27609 | D | 46 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27606 | D | 51 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27607 | D | 51 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27610 | D | 51 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27612 | D | 51 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27603 | C | 56 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27613 | C | 56 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27615 | C | 56 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27619 | C | 56 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27620 | C | 56 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27624 | C | 56 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27625 | C | 56 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
| 27627 | C | 56 | 78 | 7 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Raleigh, North Carolina receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 57 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Raleigh have accumulated 3432 EPA violations, including 308 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 44 ZIP codes serving approximately 660,394 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Raleigh's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Raleigh water systems is 0.0030 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Raleigh is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Raleigh
Raleigh is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 660,394 people across 44 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 440 enforcement actions against water systems serving Raleigh. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Raleigh
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 Raleigh Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Raleigh's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 660 | 44 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 440 | 44 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 396 | 44 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 308 | 44 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 220 | 44 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 176 | 44 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 176 | 44 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 176 | 44 | Yes |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 44 | 44 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 44 | 44 | No |
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 Raleigh. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-08-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-08 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-08 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-05-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-23.
Raleigh vs. Nearby North Carolina Cities
How Raleigh's water quality compares to similar cities in North Carolina:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | C | 3432 | 5 | 660,394 |
| Clemmons | C | 14 | 3 | 388,444 |
| Pfafftown | B | 2 | 2 | 388,258 |
| Bethania | D | 0 | 1 | 388,060 |
Recommended Water Filters for Raleigh
Based on contaminants detected in Raleigh's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chlorine
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: TTHM
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, under-sink or whole-house)
- Removes: HAA5
- Effectiveness: 60-80%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Raleigh
Water quality varies across Raleigh's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27604 | 46 | D | 78 | 7 |
| 27608 | 46 | D | 78 | 7 |
| 27609 | 46 | D | 78 | 7 |
| 27606 | 51 | D | 78 | 7 |
| 27607 | 51 | D | 78 | 7 |
| 27610 | 51 | D | 78 | 7 |
| 27612 | 51 | D | 78 | 7 |
| 27603 | 56 | C | 78 | 7 |
| 27613 | 56 | C | 78 | 7 |
| 27615 | 56 | C | 78 | 7 |
| 27698 | 73 | B | 78 | 7 |
| 27650 | 73 | B | 78 | 7 |
| 27634 | 73 | B | 78 | 7 |
| 27621 | 73 | B | 78 | 7 |
| 27611 | 73 | B | 78 | 7 |
Water quality scores in Raleigh range from 46 to 73 — a spread of 27 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Raleigh Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Raleigh, North Carolina:
Is Raleigh water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Raleigh's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Raleigh tap water? Raleigh's water receives a grade of C (57/100). There are 308 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Raleigh? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house or under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Raleigh vs. North Carolina Average
Understanding how Raleigh 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 Raleigh.
ZIP Codes in Raleigh
Raleigh spans 44 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 27601. 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.