Chapel Hill, NC (27517): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems
EPA data combined for 5 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Orange Water & Sewer Authority)
Health-based violation records by water system:
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 27517 in Chapel Hill, NC contain 8 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 1 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 1 health-based violation and 7 non-health-based (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result is below the laboratory reporting limit, not a measured zero; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
- Radon EPA Zone 3 - county-level radon potential, not evidence of a low home result.
- Flood 143 cumulative NFIP claim records. This historical count is not a current property-risk verdict.
Get updates when new water-quality data is available for your area
Free alerts when new EPA data affects ZIP code 27517. No spam - just safety updates.
Unsubscribe anytime. We only send updates when your safety score changes. See our Privacy Policy.
See incorrect data? Let us know
Check the critical finding below for 27517 in Chapel Hill - it is the only critical or high-priority finding documented in this record.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: Score unavailable
Required evidence is missing. Missing values remain unknown and are not imputed or renormalized.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 3 of 4 components and 2 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (7) CRITICAL
Your Water System
ZIP code 27517 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina is mapped to the water system Orange Water & Sewer Authority (EPA ID: NC0368010). This system provides water to approximately 86,500 people from surface water sources.
There are 5 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Water & Sewer Authority | NC0368010 | 86,500 | Surface water |
| Chatham Company-north | NC0319126 | 23,088 | Surface water |
| City of Durham, | NC0332010 | 333,490 | Surface water |
| Cole Park Plaza | NC0319137 | 306 | Surface water |
| Colvard Farms S/d | NC4019004 | 365 | Groundwater |
Other Water Quality Reports in North Carolina
- 27006 (Advance) - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27007 (Ararat)
- 27009 (Belews Creek) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 27010 (Bethania)
- 27011 (Boonville) - 25 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27012 (Clemmons) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27013 (Cleveland) - 7 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27014 (Cooleemee) - 9 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27016 (Danbury)
- 27017 (Dobson) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27018 (East Bend) - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27019 (Germanton) - 98 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27020 (Hamptonville) - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27021 (King) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27022 (Lawsonville)
- 27023 (Lewisville) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 27024 (Lowgap)
- 27025 (Madison) - 21 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27027 (Mayodan) - 5 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27028 (Mocksville) - 15 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 27514 (Chapel Hill) - 2 mi - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27515 (Chapel Hill) - 3 mi
- 27713 (Durham) - 5 mi - 24 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27510 (Carrboro) - 5 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 27707 (Durham) - 5 mi - 8 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27516 (Chapel Hill) - 5 mi - 19 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27706 (Durham) - 6 mi
- 27705 (Durham) - 8 mi - 23 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 27722 (Durham) - 8 mi
- 27701 (Durham) - 8 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Orange Water & Sewer Authority (NC0368010) on EPA.gov.
4 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 27517. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFBS, PFOS, PFBA, PFPeA, PFOA, PFHxA.
Highest measured level: 0.0065 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) MODERATE
Home & Infrastructure (7) OK
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Chapel Hill
Based on local data for ZIP 27517, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Chapel Hill has 143 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Service recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 27517 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 8 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 27517 (primary system: Orange Water & Sewer Authority), including 1 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 27517's water come from?
The recorded water source for Orange Water & Sewer Authority, a system mapped to ZIP code 27517, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 86,500 people.
How can I get my water tested in Chapel Hill?
If Orange Water & Sewer Authority supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
What is the radon risk for 27517?
27517 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 3 (low county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Chatham County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 27517's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 27517. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 27517?
FEMA records contain 143 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 27517; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is AE, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. This is a substantial claim history, but claim count is not a count of distinct events or properties. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Chapel Hill, NC (27517): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems. https://zipcheckup.com/report/27517/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-27517,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Chapel Hill, NC (27517): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/27517/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 27517
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27514 | Chapel Hill, NC | 1.9 mi | N/A | 6 |
| 27515 | Chapel Hill, NC | 2.9 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 27713 | Durham, NC | 4.8 mi | B | 24 |
| 27510 | Carrboro, NC | 4.9 mi | N/A | 1 |
| 27707 | Durham, NC | 5.1 mi | B | 8 |
| 27516 | Chapel Hill, NC | 5.4 mi | N/A | 19 |
| 27706 | Durham, NC | 6.4 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 27705 | Durham, NC | 7.8 mi | B | 23 |
| 27722 | Durham, NC | 7.9 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 27701 | Durham, NC | 8.1 mi | B | 2 |
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
2026 Rankings for Your Area
Overall safety breakdown
Home Safety Score →Find the right water filter
Water Filter Matcher →Compare filters, tests & services
Compare My Options →Compare with another ZIP
Compare Tool →