Raleigh
Is Raleigh tap water safe to drink?
Use extra caution — Raleigh scores 36/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 5 local systems in Raleigh. We found 909 total violations (100 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 05:45 PM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Raleigh.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Raleigh?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Should you buy a water purifier in Raleigh? See our analysis.
Baby Formula Safety
Is Raleigh tap water safe for infants? Critical safety guide.
Homebuyer's Perspective
For those looking to relocate to Raleigh, water quality is a key factor in long-term property maintenance. With a score of 36/100, we recommend budgeting for high-quality point-of-entry filtration systems to protect your home's value.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for Raleigh
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Raleigh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raleigh tap water safe to drink?
Use extra caution — Raleigh scores 36/100.
How many water systems serve Raleigh?
Raleigh is served by 5 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Raleigh?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Raleigh.
What is the water quality score for Raleigh?
The water quality score for Raleigh is 36 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 5 systems serving the city.
What are the top contaminants in Raleigh?
The top contaminants detected in Raleigh include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Raleigh Water Quality Summary
Raleigh, NC receives a water quality score of 36/100 (Grade F) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 5 public water systems serving the area.
Raleigh's water quality score is below the national average, indicating a history of EPA violations or elevated contaminant levels. Residents are encouraged to check their specific water system report and consider additional filtration.
Raleigh's score of 36 is 39 points below the North Carolina state average of 75, and below the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
As a large city in North Carolina's Southeast region, Raleigh distributes water through several municipal systems, all of which contribute to an overall failing grade. The local water infrastructure must navigate the unique environmental context of the Piedmont and coastal plain transition, where growing urban centers and agriculture coexist. For prospective homebuyers and current residents, these poor quality reports suggest that taking active steps to test or treat household tap water is a sensible precaution.
Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our North Carolina water quality rankings report →
Key Contaminants
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Water Systems Serving Raleigh (5)
Middlesex Water System
FRaleigh, City Of
AVance County Water District - Kittrell
FVance Co Water District Phase 1
DVance Co Water District Phase 2
FCheck Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Raleigh.
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Quick compare in North Carolina
Compare Raleigh water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality