Fayetteville Water Quality at a Glance
PFAS concerns remain
Is Fayetteville Water Safe to Drink?
Generally Yes, With Caution — Fayetteville PWC meets federal standards and has earned water quality awards for 23+ consecutive years. However, PFAS levels continue to exceed new EPA limits, with PFOA and PFOS measured above the 4 ppt standard at both treatment plants. Additional concerns include chromium-6 and disinfection byproducts. The utility is investing $111.2 million in granular activated carbon PFAS removal systems, targeted for completion by February 2028.
⚠️ Key Concerns for Fayetteville Residents
- PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: PFOA and PFOS levels exceed EPA’s 4 ppt standard at both Hoffer and Glenville Lake treatment plants
- Source Contamination: Cape Fear River affected by upstream Chemours facility discharge — a long-running, documented issue for North Carolina communities
- Chromium-6: Cancer-associated hexavalent chromium detected above health guidelines
- Disinfection Byproducts: Bromodichloromethane and chloroform detected from the chloramination process, adding incremental cancer risk
Read the full 2026 report below for detailed analysis, city-specific data, and actionable recommendations for Fayetteville residents.
advertisment – report continues below
Your water passed the test.
Legal isn’t the same as safe.
Regulated contaminants like PFAS, chromium-6, and disinfection byproducts can sit inside the legal limit and still carry long-term health risks. Passing isn’t the same as clean.
✅ Removes PFAS, lead & chromium-6 — the contaminants most flagged even in passing city reports
✅ NSF/ANSI 42, 58 & 372 certified — independently tested, not just manufacturer claims
✅ Installs in 30 minutes, no plumber — fills a glass in 8 seconds, smart LED filter monitor
Renting or can’t drill? The Waterdrop K19 Countertop RO — plug in, fill the tank, done. No installation, no drilling, no plumber.
Advertisement — this page contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Fayetteville, North Carolina — Water Quality Report 2026: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Upgrades & Safety Guide
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) provides water services to over 225,000 residents across the greater Fayetteville metropolitan area, including Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Stedman, and portions of Hoke County. As a community-owned utility established in 1905, PWC operates two advanced water treatment facilities delivering an average of 21.8 million gallons daily to North Carolina’s sixth-largest city and surrounding communities.
Fayetteville draws from dual sources: the Cape Fear River at the P.O. Hoffer Water Treatment Facility and the Little Cross Creek Watershed (Glenville Lake, Bonnie Doone Lake, Kornbow Lake, and Mintz Pond) at the Glenville Lake facility. With combined capacity of 58 million gallons per day, PWC has maintained 100% EPA compliance and has earned the Partnership for Safe Water Director’s Award for over 23 consecutive years — the first utility in North Carolina to achieve this recognition. The utility is currently mid-way through its largest-ever capital investment programme targeting PFAS removal by 2028.
Fayetteville Water Quality: Current Status (2025–2026)
Latest Testing Results
- Comprehensive Testing Programme: PWC performs over 150,000 water quality tests annually across both treatment facilities and the distribution system, maintaining 100% compliance with all EPA primary drinking water regulations in 2025–2026.
- Award-Winning Quality: PWC has held the Partnership for Safe Water Director’s Award for over 23 consecutive years, making it the first utility in North Carolina to reach this milestone — recognising performance that exceeds federal standards.
- Treatment Output: The combined facilities processed over 10.6 billion gallons of drinking water in 2025, with an average daily demand of 21.8 million gallons and peak system capacity of 58 million gallons per day.
Water Sources
- P.O. Hoffer Water Treatment Facility: Primary facility drawing from the Cape Fear River; current capacity of 40 MGD, expandable to 96 MGD, using advanced multi-barrier treatment processes.
- Glenville Lake Water Treatment Facility: Secondary facility sourcing from the Little Cross Creek Watershed — including Glenville Lake, Bonnie Doone Lake, Kornbow Lake, and Mintz Pond — with 18 MGD capacity.
- Watershed Protection: A comprehensive management programme established in 1990 focuses on reducing pollutant loadings and implementing source water protection measures across both watersheds.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- Multi-Barrier Treatment: Both facilities utilise coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, sand and anthracite filtration, chloramination disinfection, and corrosion control for comprehensive water treatment.
- Chloramination System: PWC uses chloramine disinfection rather than free chlorine, providing longer-lasting pathogen protection while reducing disinfection byproduct formation across the distribution system.
- Activated Carbon Treatment: Powdered activated carbon is deployed at both facilities to manage taste and odour compounds. Granular activated carbon (GAC) systems — which will also address PFAS — are currently under construction as part of the $111.2M capital project.
Infrastructure Modernisation
- PFAS Treatment Investment: PWC is investing $111.2 million in granular activated carbon filtration at both treatment plants. Systems are targeted to be operational by February 2028 — ahead of the EPA’s 2031 compliance deadline. For a guide to home-level options in the meantime, see our water filter solutions page.
- Smart Water Management: Advanced leak detection systems identified over 23,000 customer leaks in 2024–2025, saving tens of millions of gallons and reducing customer costs significantly.
- System Expansion: Ongoing infrastructure work includes sewer treatment plant expansion, new distribution lines for annexed areas, and enhanced monitoring capabilities across the service area.
Customer Protection Initiatives
PWC supports customers through conservation rebates, leak detection services, and water quality education. Its proactive leak detection programme contacts 30–60 customers daily about potential issues, preventing waste and saving money. Transparent annual water quality reports and regular PFAS monitoring updates are published on PWC’s website. For real-time alerts affecting North Carolina communities — including boil water notices — visit our live boil water tracker and water alert news page.
Recommendations for Fayetteville Residents
Monitor Your Usage
Take advantage of PWC’s automated leak detection programme. Contact PWC at 910-483-1382 if you notice unusual increases in your water bill. PWC proactively contacts customers when leaks are detected — helping prevent waste and high bills before they escalate.
Follow Watering Guidelines
Adhere to PWC’s Odd/Even irrigation conservation programme for sprinkler systems. Odd-numbered addresses water on odd-numbered days; even addresses on even days. Hand watering and car washing remain unrestricted at any time.
Consider PFAS Filtration
While PWC’s $111.2M GAC treatment systems are on track for 2028, residents concerned about current PFAS levels may wish to use an NSF-certified carbon filter (Standard 53 or 58) for drinking and cooking water now. See our water filter guide for vetted options.
Utilise Efficiency Programmes
Participate in PWC’s energy and water efficiency programmes offering rebates for efficient appliances, HVAC systems, and water heaters. Customers have received over $69,000 in billing credits through these conservation programmes since 2023.
Report Issues Promptly
Contact PWC at 910-483-1382 for water quality concerns, leaks, or service issues. Report unusual taste, odour, or discolouration promptly. PWC maintains 24/7 emergency response. You can also check current water alerts or our boil water tracker for any active notices in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fayetteville’s tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Yes, Fayetteville tap water meets all federal and state primary drinking water standards. PWC has maintained 100% EPA compliance and has held the Partnership for Safe Water Director’s Award for over 23 consecutive years — making it the first North Carolina utility to reach this milestone.
Both treatment facilities use comprehensive multi-barrier processes including coagulation, filtration, and chloramination disinfection. PWC performs over 150,000 water quality tests annually. The key caveat in 2026 is PFAS: levels at both plants exceed the EPA’s new 4 ppt standard, though utilities have until 2031 to comply. Residents with concerns — particularly sensitive groups — may wish to use a certified point-of-use filter in the interim. See our filter recommendations for guidance.
What is PWC doing about PFAS contamination?
PWC is mid-way through a $111.2 million capital programme to address PFAS through advanced treatment at both plants:
• Treatment Timeline: Granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration systems are targeted to be operational by February 2028, ahead of the EPA’s 2031 compliance deadline
• Ongoing Monitoring: Quarterly PFAS testing results have been published on PWC’s website since 2019 — one of the most transparent reporting programmes among US utilities
• Compliance Status: PFAS levels at both treatment plants currently exceed the EPA’s 4 ppt standard for PFOA and PFOS; utilities have until 2031 to achieve full compliance
• Source Advocacy: PWC continues to engage regulatory agencies to reduce PFAS discharges from the Chemours facility into the Cape Fear River upstream of its intakes
Why does PWC use chloramine instead of chlorine?
PWC switched to chloramination in 2003 for several important reasons:
• Longer-lasting protection: Chloramine remains stable further into the distribution system than free chlorine, ensuring residual disinfection throughout Fayetteville’s network
• Reduced byproducts: Chloramination produces fewer regulated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes than traditional chlorination
• Taste and odour: Chloramine typically produces a milder taste and odour profile compared to free chlorine
• Pathogen effectiveness: Chloramine effectively inactivates bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in treated water
Chloraminated water is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Special precautions apply only to kidney dialysis patients and fish tank owners — contact PWC at 910-483-1382 for specific guidance on these cases.
What are the current water restrictions in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville operates under the Odd/Even irrigation conservation programme:
Sprinkler Systems Only:
• Odd-numbered addresses: water on odd-numbered days of the month
• Even-numbered addresses: water on even-numbered days of the month
Unrestricted Activities:
• Hand watering plants and gardens at any time
• Car washing and pressure washing at any time
• Filling swimming pools (conservation is encouraged)
Customers can request a separate irrigation meter for more efficient lawn watering billing. Visit faypwc.com or call 910-483-1382 for details. For any current boil water or emergency notices in Fayetteville, check our live US boil water tracker.
Quality News About Your Water
Get the comprehensive water quality news coverage you need with our dedicated US Water News Service. From coast to coast, we deliver in-depth reporting and expert analysis on PFAS contamination, EPA regulatory changes, infrastructure developments, and emerging water safety issues affecting communities nationwide. While mainstream media only covers the biggest stories, we provide the detailed, ongoing coverage that helps you understand the full scope of America’s water challenges.
What’s actually in your tap water? Enter your ZIP code for a full breakdown of contaminants detected in your local supply
Drinking water from a well? Check our directory here for more information
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from industrial manufacturing and consumer products entering the Cape Fear River watershed upstream of Fayetteville’s intakes — primarily linked to the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility. This is a documented concern across multiple North Carolina communities, including Wilmington.
Health Effects: Research links PFAS exposure to immune system disruption, thyroid function changes, elevated cholesterol, and possible increased cancer risk. Known as “forever chemicals” due to environmental and biological persistence.
Current Levels (2025–2026): Quarterly testing shows PFAS running averages above the EPA’s 4 ppt standard at both treatment plants. EPA Standard: PFOA and PFOS must meet 4 ppt by 2031; PWC’s $111.2M GAC treatment programme targets compliance by February 2028. For interim home protection options, see our water filter solutions guide.
1,4-Dioxane
Source: Industrial solvent entering the Cape Fear River from upstream wastewater treatment plants and manufacturing facilities in the broader watershed.
Health Effects: The EPA identifies 1,4-dioxane as a probable human carcinogen with potential liver toxicity at elevated concentrations.
Current Status (2025–2026): Testing at the Hoffer plant has generally shown levels well below the EPA health advisory of 35 micrograms per litre, with most monthly readings at or below detection limits. Regulatory Context: Currently unregulated as a primary contaminant; EPA health advisory guidance sets 35 µg/L as a reference level. PWC continues to monitor routinely and publish results.
Please read – our information
The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.
Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.
We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.
Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
