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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 5 cities in North Carolina
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in North Carolina
1,100,000 residents
470,000 residents
245,000 residents
322,083 residents
49,093 residents
North Carolina faces diverse water quality challenges across its coastal, piedmont, and mountain regions. The state has dealt with high-profile contamination events including GenX compounds near Fayetteville and coal ash concerns. Water quality varies significantly between municipal systems and the many residents relying on private wells.
Based on our analysis of 5 cities in North Carolina, the average water quality score is 92/100. The highest-rated city is Greensboro with a score of 86/100, while Charlotte has the most room for improvement at 95/100.
North Carolina's water comes from reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater depending on region. The Piedmont relies on reservoirs like Jordan Lake and Falls Lake. Coastal plain communities often use groundwater. Mountain communities draw from smaller surface water sources. Over 2.4 million residents use private wells.
These contaminants have been detected in various North Carolina water systems
North Carolina DEQ manages drinking water programs. The state has established health goals for GenX and other PFAS compounds following the Cape Fear River contamination. North Carolina has invested in enhanced monitoring and public notification systems for emerging contaminants.
Residents near the Cape Fear River should be aware of PFAS concerns. Private well users, particularly in the coastal plain, should test for naturally occurring contaminants. Agricultural areas may have nitrate and pesticide concerns. Coal ash pond proximity may affect some water sources.
North Carolinians affected by PFAS should consider reverse osmosis or activated carbon systems certified for PFAS removal. Private well owners should test annually and after any flooding. Stay informed about your water utility's monitoring results for emerging contaminants.
Most North Carolina cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 92/100 across 5 cities we analyzed, North Carolina generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in North Carolina include genx and other pfas compounds, 1,4-dioxane (industrial), disinfection byproducts. These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. Most North Carolina cities have water that meets EPA standards, though some residents prefer additional filtration for taste or extra protection. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in North Carolina are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in North Carolina water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in North Carolina. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual North Carolina city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Greensboro has the highest water quality score in North Carolina at 86/100 (Grade A-). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in North Carolina page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in North Carolina are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area