Raleigh – North Carolina – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your city
Raleigh Water provides comprehensive water services to approximately 630,000 residents across the greater Raleigh metropolitan area, including the neighboring communities of Garner, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon. Established as a municipal utility, the system encompasses roughly 2,500 miles of water distribution lines, numerous reservoirs and pumping stations, and advanced treatment facilities that deliver an average of 52 million gallons of drinking water daily to North Carolina’s capital city and surrounding areas.
Raleigh sources its drinking water primarily from the Falls Lake Reservoir located in northern Wake County, with Lake Benson in Garner serving as a secondary source. The Falls Lake water is treated at the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant, while Lake Benson water is processed at the Dempsey E. Benton Water Treatment Plant. Raleigh’s water consistently meets all federal and state quality standards, though the growing metropolitan area faces ongoing challenges with water conservation, infrastructure modernization, and emerging contaminants. The utility has implemented significant investments in water treatment technology, conservation initiatives, and watershed protection to ensure sustainable water supply for future generations.
Raleigh Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead and Copper Monitoring: The most recent comprehensive testing in 2022 showed that Raleigh Water remains in full compliance with EPA regulations for lead and copper in drinking water, with levels well below the federal action thresholds.
- Testing Scope: Raleigh conducts over 85,000 water quality tests annually across the system, including comprehensive monitoring at treatment facilities and throughout the distribution network.
- Compliance Status: Raleigh’s water consistently meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining compliance with EPA and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality regulations.
Water Sources
- Falls Lake Reservoir: Primary source (approximately 80% of supply) located in northern Wake County, which receives water from the Neuse River watershed.
- Lake Benson: Secondary source located in Garner, NC, providing additional supply security and system redundancy in case of drought or other supply challenges.
- Watershed Protection: Comprehensive watershed management program including land conservation initiatives and pollution prevention measures to safeguard both water sources.
Advanced Treatment Technology
- E.M. Johnson Plant: The primary treatment facility utilizes a multi-barrier approach including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, with a capacity of 86 million gallons per day.
- Dempsey E. Benton Plant: The secondary facility incorporates cutting-edge technologies including ozone treatment, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, and chloramination for exceptional water quality.
- Disinfection Management: Annual temporary switch from chloramine to free chlorine disinfection (typically in March-April) maintains system cleanliness and prevents biofilm formation in distribution lines.
Infrastructure Modernization
- Treatment Plant Upgrades: Ongoing modernization of the E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant, including basin modifications scheduled for completion between 2023-2027, enhancing treatment capacity and efficiency.
- Distribution System Improvements: Implementation of a robust Asset Management Program to systematically replace aging infrastructure, including water mains and service lines, prioritizing areas with highest needs.
- Smart Water Management: Advanced real-time monitoring systems throughout the distribution network to improve water quality management, reduce losses, and enhance overall system reliability.
Customer Protection Initiatives
Raleigh Water provides extensive customer support through various programs, including free lead testing kits for concerned residents and the Utility Customer Assistance Program offering discounts for qualifying low-income customers. Educational outreach helps residents understand water quality, conservation practices, and the value of water resources in central North Carolina. Raleigh’s commitment to water quality includes transparent communication through annual and monthly water quality reports, available to all customers. The utility’s investments in advanced treatment technologies and source water protection demonstrate its dedication to providing safe, reliable drinking water while preparing for future challenges including population growth, climate variability, and emerging contaminants.
Recommendations for Raleigh Residents
Test Your Water
Request a free lead testing kit from Raleigh Water by calling 919-996-3245 or visiting raleighnc.gov/water-quality. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 or with older plumbing systems.
Conserve Water
Take advantage of Raleigh’s Water Conservation Programs, including free water conservation kits with efficient fixtures. Follow the Permanent Conservation Measures guidelines for outdoor irrigation to reduce water waste.
Consider Home Filtration
While Raleigh’s water meets all standards, homes with older plumbing may benefit from NSF-certified filters (Standard 53) for drinking and cooking water, especially for reducing disinfection byproducts and trace contaminants.
Participate in Rainwater Rewards
Apply for the Raleigh Rainwater Rewards program, which provides funding for rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rain cisterns that help reduce stormwater pollution and conserve water. Visit raleighnc.gov/rainwater-rewards for details.
Report Issues
Contact Raleigh Water Customer Care at 919-996-3245 (available 24/7) for water main breaks, pressure problems, or quality concerns. Report leaks promptly to help conserve water and maintain system integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raleigh’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Raleigh’s tap water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The city’s water comes from Falls Lake Reservoir and Lake Benson, both of which undergo comprehensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
Raleigh Water conducts over 85,000 tests annually to ensure water quality. Treatment processes at both the E.M. Johnson and Dempsey E. Benton plants incorporate multiple barriers against contaminants, ensuring safe drinking water. The utility’s commitment to water quality is demonstrated by its continuous monitoring and transparent reporting through monthly and annual water quality reports available to all customers.
Why does my water sometimes taste or smell different?
Occasional taste and odor changes can occur due to several factors:
1. Annual disinfection switch: Each spring (typically March-April), Raleigh Water temporarily switches from chloramine to free chlorine disinfection, which may cause a more noticeable chlorine smell
2. Seasonal water quality changes: Natural variations in source water can affect taste, especially during heavy rainfall or drought periods
3. Home plumbing: Internal plumbing issues or infrequently used faucets can sometimes cause taste or odor concerns
If taste or odor issues persist, contact Raleigh Water at 919-996-3245 for assistance. Often, running cold water for a few minutes after periods of non-use can help improve water quality from your tap.
Does Raleigh have lead in its water system?
Raleigh Water has been and continues to be compliant with all federal and state regulations for lead and copper in drinking water:
• Lead service lines: Raleigh Water is not aware of any lead service lines in its service area, though some older neighborhoods may have galvanized iron service lines with lead components installed prior to 1960
• Corrosion control: The utility uses industry best practices in water treatment to prevent leaching of lead and copper from plumbing, including corrosion inhibitors and pH optimization
• Testing results: The most recent lead and copper sampling in 2022 showed levels well below federal action limits
• Free testing: Residents can request a free lead testing kit through Raleigh Water’s website or customer service
Homes built before 1986 have a higher likelihood of containing lead solder or components in internal plumbing, which is why Raleigh offers free testing for concerned residents.
Are there water restrictions in Raleigh?
Raleigh currently operates under Permanent Conservation Measures, which are year-round water use guidelines:
Permanent Conservation Measures:
• Irrigation limited to three days per week (odd-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; even-numbered addresses on Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
• No outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to minimize evaporation
• No water waste (runoff onto streets, sidewalks)
Drought Response:
During severe drought conditions, Raleigh Water may implement additional restrictions including:
• Further limits on outdoor watering
• Restrictions on vehicle washing, pressure washing, and filling of swimming pools
Current status and restrictions are available at raleighnc.gov/water or by calling 919-996-3245.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when disinfectants such as chlorine or chloramine react with naturally occurring organic matter in source water; may be more prevalent during warmer months
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and potentially affect liver, kidney, and central nervous system
Current Levels: Monitored quarterly throughout the distribution system with levels maintained below EPA maximum contaminant levels EPA Limits: 80 ppb for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and 60 ppb for haloacetic acids (HAA5)
PFAS Compounds
Source: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances originating from industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products that can enter source waters
Health Effects: Research suggests potential concerns including impacts on immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, and possible links to certain cancers
Current Status: Detected at low levels in source waters; Raleigh Water is monitoring developments in EPA regulations and treatment technologies to address these emerging contaminants EPA Limits: New EPA regulations for specific PFAS compounds were finalized in 2024
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