Tap water quality in North Carolina is generally safe for consumption, but safety depends heavily on location—specifically, whether the water comes from a regulated public system or a private well. The state’s diverse geography influences the water source, which can be surface water from rivers and reservoirs or groundwater, and the potential for contamination. While public systems are subject to continuous, rigorous federal and state oversight, localized pollution issues and aging infrastructure mean that vigilance is still necessary for residents to ensure their water is consistently clean.
The Regulatory Framework Ensuring Safety
The safety of public water in North Carolina is governed by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This Act authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set national health-based standards, known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), for various substances found in public drinking water. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) implements and enforces these federal mandates, overseeing the state’s nearly 6,000 public water systems.
The NC DEQ ensures that public systems adhere to these standards through regular monitoring, inspections, and technical assistance. Water sources are routinely tested for a wide range of contaminants, including microbes, chemicals, and radionuclides, to ensure compliance with legal limits. This mandatory compliance framework means that the three-quarters of the state’s population served by community water systems generally receives potable water.
However, this regulatory umbrella does not extend to private wells, which are relied upon by many rural residents. Private well owners are solely responsible for their own water quality, as their supply is not subject to the same frequent testing and monitoring requirements as public systems. The responsibility for ongoing testing falls entirely on the homeowner.
Potential Contaminants Unique to North Carolina
North Carolina faces specific regional water quality challenges tied to its industrial and agricultural history, as well as its unique geology.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
One of the most significant concerns is the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” particularly in river basins like the Cape Fear. Industrial facilities have been identified as major sources of these compounds, leading to contamination in both surface water sources and private wells.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals present another localized risk. For those on public water, lead contamination is almost exclusively a problem caused by aging service lines and plumbing fixtures within individual homes. Groundwater in certain areas of the state can naturally contain elevated levels of arsenic, which poses a threat primarily to private well owners.
Agricultural Runoff
Agricultural runoff introduces contaminants, particularly in the state’s eastern and Piedmont regions where farming is concentrated. Pesticides and nitrates, originating from fertilizers and animal waste, can seep into both surface water and shallow groundwater sources. For vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and infants, the presence of nitrates in well water is a particular concern.
How to Check Your Local Water Quality Report
Public water customers can find detailed information about their specific drinking water quality in an annual document called the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), or Water Quality Report. This report is legally mandated by the EPA to provide an annual snapshot of the contaminants detected in the water supply and whether the system met all health standards. The CCR will specify the source of the water and list the highest levels of any detected regulated contaminant.
To locate this report, customers can typically visit their local water utility’s website or search the North Carolina DEQ website using their water system’s name. Systems serving a population of 10,000 or more must deliver the report directly, while smaller systems may notify customers of its availability.
For residents utilizing private wells, the process is different, requiring proactive, independent testing. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recommends testing for total coliform bacteria annually and for heavy metals, nitrates, and nitrites every two years.
Steps for Addressing Specific Water Concerns
For individuals who discover water quality issues through their CCR or private well testing, home filtration offers practical mitigation options. Devices certified to meet national standards, such as those from NSF International, can effectively address specific contaminants.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters are generally effective at reducing organic chemicals, including certain PFAS compounds, and improving taste and odor. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems, which use a semi-permeable membrane, are highly effective at removing a broader spectrum of contaminants, including heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
Point-of-use filters, which attach to the faucet or are built into a pitcher, can be a cost-effective solution for drinking water. Boiling water is only recommended for removing biological contaminants, as it can increase the concentration of chemical pollutants.