Copper in Raleigh, NC Drinking Water
Copper data for Raleigh, North Carolina · 660,394 residents · 44 ZIP codes
Across Raleigh, North Carolina, federal monitoring data has captured Copper in water samples at detectable concentrations in the most recent available reporting cycle.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Copper in Raleigh Tap Water
Copper has been detected in Raleigh, North Carolina drinking water at a maximum level of 1360 ppb — 1.05x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 660,394 residents across 44 ZIP codes in Raleigh.
Raleigh's overall water quality grade is C (57/100).
Is Copper in Raleigh Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.
Copper Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Copper Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27601 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27602 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27603 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27604 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27605 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27606 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27607 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27608 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27609 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27610 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27611 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27612 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27613 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27614 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27615 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27616 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27617 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27619 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27620 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27621 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27622 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27623 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27624 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27625 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27626 | 1360 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| ...19 more ZIP codes |
Average copper level across Raleigh: 1360 ppb
Health Effects of Copper
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
- Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
- Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
- Infants are more sensitive than adults
Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.
How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of copper household plumbing
- Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
- New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
- Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)
What to Do About Copper in Raleigh Water
- Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
- If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
- Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.