Water Quality in North Carolina: What You Need to Know—and What You Can Do

When people think of North Carolina’s “Water, Water Everywhere,” they often picture rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. But how safe is the water we actually drink? In recent years, concern has grown over contaminants like PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”), industrial pollutants, and aging infrastructure. In the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) and across the state, there are real reasons to pay attention.

This post covers:

• Key water quality issues in NC and the Triangle
• What public data and reporting reveal
• Steps you can take locally (Triangle & statewide)
• How to choose, install, and maintain effective filters
• When to engage local authorities or a professional

Local Context: North Carolina & the Triangle Region

PFAS and North Carolina’s “Forever Chemicals” Problem

One of the most alarming emerging threats in water quality is PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic compounds persist in the environment, resist breakdown, and have been linked to health risks including liver, kidney, and immune effects, hormone disruption, and certain cancers. EWG+2epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov+2

Recent analyses suggest that around 2.5 million North Carolinians are served by drinking water systems containing PFAS at levels exceeding newly adopted federal standards. Cohen Milstein+3EWG+3Axios+3

In some North Carolina water systems, the levels are quite high. For example:

• The Robeson County Water System, serving ~64,000 people, has recorded PFOS at 30 ppt and GenX at 33 ppt—both well above recent EPA benchmarks. WRAL.com
• Orange Water & Sewer Authority (OWASA), which serves Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and parts of Orange County (i.e. in the Triangle region), has found multiple PFAS compounds in one of its reservoirs. WRAL.com
• In Burlington (within the Haw River watershed), elevated PFAS levels have been detected in the city’s water and in wastewater streams entering the Haw River. WRAL.com+1
• The Haw River, a tributary of the Cape Fear and a key watershed in the Triangle region, has documented PFAS contamination linked to textile and industrial discharges. waterkeeperscarolina.org+2ncpure.collaboratory.unc.edu+2

These examples show that even in areas perceived as “less industrial,” contamination is found in drinking sources.

Regulation, Sampling, and Statewide Policy

• In April 2024, the EPA finalized maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds (e.g. PFOA and PFOS to 4 ppt). Public water systems will have up to five years to comply. NC Department of Environmental Quality+2NC Department of Environmental Quality+2
• In North Carolina, historically, the state’s allowed maximum levels for PFOA + PFOS combined was 70 ppt. That standard is much more permissive than the new federal standard, meaning many systems fail to meet the more stringent criteria. North Carolina Health News+2NC Department of Environmental Quality+2
• The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has been conducting sampling in public water systems across the state (in 2022, 2023, 2024) to assess PFAS levels. NC Department of Environmental Quality
• Critics argue that new state rules proposed for PFAS are too weak and allow continued discharges from polluters, putting communities at risk. Southern Environmental Law Center+1
• DEQ’s Action Strategy for PFAS includes funding for private well owners whose water is contaminated beyond health advisory levels, via the Bernard Allen Emergency Drinking Water Fund. NC Department of Environmental Quality

So while progress is happening, policy and enforcement are still catching up.

Triangle & Jordan Lake

In the Triangle area:

• A major water source is Jordan Lake, which supplies water to municipalities like Cary, Apex, portions of Wake County, and parts of Durham and Orange counties. Wikipedia
• Jordan Lake is designated as “nutrient-sensitive” and suffers from eutrophication (nutrient overloading). Though more often discussed for algae and nutrient pollution, this indicates that the lake and its inflows are under stress. Wikipedia
• Because Jordan Lake is a shared water supply source, vulnerabilities in upstream watersheds can affect many communities.
• Local utilities in the Triangle are aware of PFAS issues (e.g. OWASA monitoring). WRAL.com+1

Thus, folks in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and neighboring areas are not “immune” to contamination from PFAS and other emerging compounds.

What You Can Do Locally: Practical Steps for Homeowners in the Triangle & NC

1. Obtain your Water Quality Report (CCR or utility testing data)
   • Contact your municipal water utility or visit their website.
   • Check for reported PFAS, heavy metals (lead, arsenic), disinfection byproducts, nitrates, etc.
   • Compare to the new federal PFAS MCLs (e.g. 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS).
2. Filter where you drink & cook
   • Install a point-of-use filter (e.g. under-sink, countertop, pitcher) certified for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants of concern.
   • Consider reverse osmosis (RO) systems, which tend to remove a broader spectrum of contaminants (though they generate waste water and require regular maintenance).
   • Ensure your system is certified (e.g. by NSF/ANSI standards) for the specific contaminants you want removed.
   • Maintain and replace filters on schedule to ensure effectiveness.
3. Test your water independently
   • Especially if you have a private well or suspect contamination: request testing of PFAS, heavy metals, volatile organics, and other local pollutants.
   • Use certified laboratories (often referenced by your state or university).
4. Flushing & daily practices
   • Run your tap for 30–60 seconds in the morning or after long periods of non-use to flush stagnant water.
   • Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water can leach metals from plumbing).
   • Store water in glass or safer containers (avoid plastics that may leach).
5. Advocate locally
   • Attend meetings of your local water authority. Ask whether they are upgrading treatment for PFAS and disclose sampling results publicly.
   • Engage on proposed state-level PFAS rules and demand stronger enforcement.
   • Encourage polluters to be held accountable; support bills that shift cleanup costs to responsible parties.
6. Monitor emerging contaminants beyond PFAS
   • For instance, in NC, contaminants like 1,4-dioxane have been detected in water supplies (e.g. in the Haw and Deep Rivers), which may affect communities downstream. Olympian Water Testing+1
   • Be alert to local news or utility advisories, especially after heavy rains, industrial discharge incidents, or infrastructure failures.

Choosing & Using Filtration: Best Practices

Decision	Consideration	Local Relevance
Filter Type	Activated carbon (granular, block), ion exchange, RO, or combinations	RO + carbon often works best for PFAS and heavy metals.
Certification	Look for NSF/ANSI 53 (health) or 58, etc.	Ensure PFAS removal is certified (not all “lead filters” handle PFAS).
Water Waste	RO systems produce reject water	For households with water concerns, the tradeoff may be worth it.
Installation	Under-sink, countertop, faucet-mounted, or whole-house	Start where you drink and cook; expand if needed.
Maintenance	Replace cartridges, sanitize, check O-rings	Old filters may become ineffective or even leach contaminants.
Monitoring Output	Some filters include test strips or measurement	Check output water periodically for breakthrough.

Choosing & Using Filtration: Best Practices

When buying, confirm that the filter addresses PFAS / “forever chemicals” specifically (not just sediment or taste/odor).

When to Turn to Professionals or Authorities

• If your filter tests still show contamination above health thresholds
• If multiple neighbors notice similar water issues, suggesting a systemic problem
• If you detect health symptoms plausibly linked to water (chronic gut issues, unexplained rashes, etc.)
• To engage your utility or state DEQ in accountability or remediation
• To troubleshoot or install advanced water treatment systems

You can also contact:

• Your municipal water utility
• The North Carolina DEQ (Division of Water Resources)
• Local environmental or water advocacy organizations
• Certified water quality professionals or labs

Final Thoughts

Water is one of our most precious resources—and yet, it faces mounting threats in North Carolina and right here in the Triangle. The presence of PFAS and other industrial contaminants in public systems reveals that no one should take pure, safe drinking water for granted.

But you can take steps to protect yourself:

1. Know what’s in your water (utility reports, independent tests).
2. Use filtration that targets the right contaminants.
3. Maintain vigilance and advocate for stronger oversight.

Products IMCNC Recommends for Water Quality:

Clearly Filtered Water Filters: Website 

Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Filter: Website

**Patients receive 10% off when ordering with our code: IMCNC