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Durham Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Durham tap water is generally safe, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 30 ppm (1.8 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 281 violations recorded over the past 3 years.

B

Generally Safe

Minor compliance issues

1.8 GPG hardness

Lead

Below EPA action level

0.01ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Soft water

30ppm
0100300+

US Average: 100 ppm

Violations

Past 3 years

281total

All administrative/monitoring

View EPA report →

Is Durham Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Durham 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.
  • •281 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 26 water utilities serving 327K people in the Durham area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.

How Hard is Durham Water?

SoftVery Hard
060120180300+

30 ppm

1.8 grains per gallon

Soft

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

Durham
30
North Carolina
45
US Average
100

Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)

Based on 23 water samples from Franklin 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 Durham tap water.

Test Your WaterSee top-rated kits →

Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.

Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Durham

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

0.01 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Durham 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

Children

Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

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 pending

Current violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.

3-Year Violation Summary

281

Total Violations

0

Health-Related

281

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

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.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Durham

Who Provides Durham's Water?

Utility Name

DURHAM, CITY OF

EPA System ID (PWSID)

NC0332010

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

327K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Durham tap water quality

Durham tap water is generally safe to drink with minor compliance issues. While there may be some monitoring violations, there are no significant health-based concerns. The water meets EPA safety standards.
Durham has soft water with a hardness of 30 ppm (1.8 grains per gallon). Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Lead levels (0.01 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Durham's tap water is provided by DURHAM, CITY OF. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is NC0332010. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Based on recent water quality data, a water filter may be beneficial in Durham.
Durham's water utility has had 281 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 0 were health-based and 281 were monitoring/reporting related.
Durham's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a safe and common practice required by the EPA. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Durham's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by DURHAM, CITY OF.

Nearby Cities in North Carolina

Charlotte

Soft water

Raleigh

Soft water

Clemmons

Soft water

Greensboro

Soft water

Fayetteville

Soft water

Cary

Soft water

View all North Carolina cities

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