Apex Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Apex tap water is generally safe, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 34 ppm (2 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 47 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
2 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Apex Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Apex tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.
- •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
- •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
- •47 monitoring/reporting violations (administrative issues like missed testing deadlines or late reports).
- •While not directly health-related, frequent administrative violations may indicate operational issues with the water utility.
- •We recommend testing your water at home for complete peace of mind.
The data below shows test results from 16 water utilities serving 107K people in the Apex area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Apex Water?
34 ppm
2 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 189 water samples from Chatham County.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Apex tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Apex
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0.07 ppb
Apex lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2025-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
47
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
47
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Apex's Water?
Utility Name
APEX, TOWN OF
EPA System ID (PWSID)
NC0392045
Primary Water Source
Groundwater
Population Served
107K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apex tap water quality
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
Soft water
Raleigh
Soft water
Clemmons
Soft water
Durham
Soft water
Greensboro
Soft water
Fayetteville
Soft water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology