RALEIGH, CITY OFmain system
City water report · 2026

Is Raleigh Tap Water Safe? 2026 Water Quality Report

Short answer: PFOS is above its federal limit (a 2024 limit that water systems have until at least 2029 to meet); 2 more are detected with no federal limit, and everything else measured is within its reference or not detected. Raleigh, City of serves 650,000 residents.

Likely match, check your bill

3 water systems report serving Raleigh

This report uses the largest, RALEIGH, CITY OF. Your water bill or annual water quality report names your actual supplier.

Source
Surface water
Lead service lines
60 lead, 367 galvanized, 10,366 unknown

Source: EPA SDWIS 2026Q2.

Your water utility

Raleigh Water: contact and record

What stands out

One PFAS above the 2024 federal limit

The bar is drawn in blocks of the 4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024), so the length shows how far above it the result sits.

PFOS

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid

1.4× the limit

5.6ng/L

Each block = 4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)

EPA UCMR 5 · sampled 2023Evidence

Coverage by group

31 results on record
  • PFAS (forever chemicals)1 above · 4 detected · 24 not detected
  • Metals & lead1 not detected
  • Disinfection by-productsNot monitored
  • Other1 not detected
Every detected result

5 detected results, by distance from their limit

RALEIGH, CITY OF (EPA PWSID NC0392010) delivers surface water to 650,000 residents. This report reflects 29 individual PFAS result(s) from the source UCMR5 observations and the latest Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile result. Water hardness and disinfectant type are pending the utility's own annual report.

26 other contaminants tested, none detected
  • 11Cl-PF3OUdS
  • 4:2 FTS
  • 6:2 FTS
  • 8:2 FTS
  • 9Cl-PF3ONS
  • ADONA
  • HFPO-DA (GenX)
  • NEtFOSAA
  • NFDHA
  • NMeFOSAA
  • PFDA
  • PFDoA
  • PFEESA
  • PFHpA
  • PFHpS
  • PFHxS
  • PFMBA
  • PFMPA
  • PFNA
  • PFOA
  • PFPeS
  • PFTA
  • PFTrDA
  • PFUnA
  • Lithium
  • Lead (90th percentile)
Track record

0health-based violations in the last 10 years

From EPA SDWIS. A clean violation history means no enforcement action was recorded; it does not cover contaminants without a limit.

Not in this recordDisinfection by-products weren't monitored in this dataset

No result is not a pass. Your utility's annual water quality report may list them, and a certified lab test covers your own tap.

Test your own tap

Screening tells you if something is worth a closer look; a lab result is the number you can act on.

As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

  • Screening: quick check, not lab-grade

    Safe Home DIY Lead in Drinking Water Combo Test Kit

    Safe Home (EnviroTestKits)

    Lead, read as one of three ranges: 0–4, 5–15 or 15+ ppb

    • Turnaround: 5 minutes

    What it can't tell you: It shows a lead range, not an exact level, and tests nothing else unless you pay extra for the optional lab test.

  • Lab-certified results

    ETR Labs Basic Water Quality Test Kit

    ETR Laboratories

    50+ substances, including lead, copper, arsenic, nitrate, hardness and coliform bacteria

    What it can't tell you: It does not test PFAS, and not every result on the panel falls under the lab's accredited scope.

Commercial

Certified for a concern found here

Each card names which Raleigh findings its current certification covers, and which it doesn't.

As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. A product appears here only when a current certification record covers at least one identified concern; every concern stays listed. The retail offer is looked up afterwards and never changes which products appear or their order. Affiliate disclosure.

Under-Sink Filter

Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M)

  • PFOS: eligible, evidence match
  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
  • Not established: Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and 1 more
Not suitable for (5)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
  • Anyone who can't plumb, drill or hire an installer
  • Renters who can't modify plumbing
Countertop System

Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2)

  • PFOS: eligible, evidence match
  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
  • Not established: Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and 1 more
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
See all 9 products certified for a Raleigh concern →
Countertop System

AquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT2000)

  • PFOS: eligible, evidence match
  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
  • Not established: Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and 1 more
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
Under-Sink Filter

Under-Sink Reverse-Osmosis System

  • PFOS: eligible, evidence match
  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
  • Not established: Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and 1 more
Not suitable for (5)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
  • Anyone who can't plumb, drill or hire an installer
  • Renters who can't modify plumbing
Under-Sink Filter

Waterdrop G3P600 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System

  • PFOS: eligible, evidence match
  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
  • Not established: Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and 1 more
Not suitable for (5)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
  • Anyone who can't plumb, drill or hire an installer
  • Renters who can't modify plumbing
Refrigerator Filter

Whirlpool Filter 3 Refrigerator Water Filter (WHR3RXD1)

  • PFOS: eligible, evidence match
  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
  • Not established: Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and 1 more
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
Water Pitcher

Culligan ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher (ZEROP10)

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
  • Not established: PFOS, Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and 2 more
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
Faucet Attachment

Faucet-Mount Filter

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
  • Not established: PFOS, Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and 2 more
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
Under-Sink Filter

Under-Sink Carbon Block Filter

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
  • Not established: PFOS, Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and 2 more
Not suitable for (4)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
  • Anyone who can't plumb, drill or hire an installer
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is Raleigh tap water safe to drink?

PurityMap does not give a safe/unsafe verdict; it shows what the public records measured. For Raleigh, PFOS 5.6 ng/L was measured above the 4 ng/L federal limit in EPA's 2024 testing. RALEIGH, CITY OF (PWSID NC0392010) has a Purity Score of 70/100 (confidence: moderate), assessed at the water-system level and computed only from contaminants that were measured. Water can change in your own pipes, so a certified test is the only way to know what comes out of your tap.

Who provides tap water in Raleigh?

RALEIGH, CITY OF (PWS ID NC0392010) is the public water system on record for Raleigh, North Carolina, serving about 650,000 people. Confirm the utility on your water bill before acting on a specific finding.

Where does Raleigh get its drinking water?

Surface water (primary source of record in EPA SDWIS).

Are PFAS "forever chemicals" in Raleigh's water?

Yes. In EPA's UCMR 5 testing (2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19), PFOS was measured at 5.6 ng/L against a 4 ng/L federal limit. PFBS (3.3 ng/L, below the 2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory) and PFHxA (4.2 ng/L, below the 400,000 ng/L state limit) were also detected. PFBA (9 ng/L) and PFPeA (4.3 ng/L) were also detected; they have no federal or state limit. Reverse osmosis and filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for PFOA/PFOS reduce them at the tap.

Is there lead in Raleigh's tap water?

Lead is not in Raleigh's current published record. Lead usually enters from a building's own pipes and fixtures, so a certified home test is the way to know yours.

What does the latest Raleigh water report show?

PurityMap's current record for Raleigh holds 31 findings: 1 above a reference, 2 detected within the reference, 2 detected with no limit and 26 not detected. Each finding links to its dated public record; a parameter that was never monitored is shown as pending, not as a pass.

Follow this water

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One email when a new sampling round is published, a result moves above or below its reference, or the system's score changes.

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Sources and dataAll 31 records and their sourcesEPA UCMR 5 · EPA SDWIS (Lead & Copper Rule)
ContaminantResultBenchmarkSampledSource
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)5.6 ng/L4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)3.3 ng/L2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)4.2 ng/L400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state)2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)9 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)4.3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
26 other contaminants tested — none detected
ContaminantResultBenchmarkSampledSource
11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)< 2 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX chemicals)< 5 ng/L10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Lead (90th percentile)Non-Detect (ND)15 µg/L federal action level2023–2025 monitoring periodLead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Lithium< 9 µg/L10 µg/L EPA health reference level (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit2023-04-03 to 2023-11-27UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)< 6 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA)< 20 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)< 4 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)< 3 ng/L10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)< 4 ng/L10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)< 4 ng/L4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)< 4 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA)< 8 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)< 7 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)< 2 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)

Result
5.6 ng/L
Benchmark
4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)

Result
3.3 ng/L
Benchmark
2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)

Result
4.2 ng/L
Benchmark
400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state)
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)

Result
9 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)

Result
4.3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19
26 other contaminants tested — none detected

11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)

Result
< 2 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX chemicals)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Lead (90th percentile)

Result
Non-Detect (ND)
Benchmark
15 µg/L federal action level
Sampled
2023–2025 monitoring period

Lithium

Result
< 9 µg/L
Benchmark
10 µg/L EPA health reference level (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2023-11-27

N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)

Result
< 6 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA)

Result
< 20 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)

Result
< 4 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)

Result
< 4 ng/L
Benchmark
10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Result
< 4 ng/L
Benchmark
4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)

Result
< 4 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA)

Result
< 8 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)

Result
< 7 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)

Result
< 2 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-04-03 to 2024-03-19

Every value is the published result from the cited public record. A reporting limit is the lowest level the method could reliably quantify; a non-detect is not a guarantee of zero.

  • UCMR5 Analytical Results

    UCMR5 Analytical Results: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)

    US EPA

    Published
    2026-01-15
    Newest sample
    2024-03-19
    Findings here
    30
  • State SDWIS Compliance Record

    Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: RALEIGH, CITY OF (NC0392010)

    US EPA SDWIS

    Published
    2026-07-09
    Newest sample
    2025
    Findings here
    1

Methodology: how we analyze water. Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the PurityMap Editorial Team before publication.