C53/100
Cary Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 309,204 residents · North Carolina
What's In Cary's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
1,4-dioxane | 0.770 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: May 10, 2023 – February 13, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
When: May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
DIAMOND HEAD S/D
Population Served
1,433
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0149182
BROOKWOOD COMM WTR SYSTEM
Population Served
15,380
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0326127
CLIFFDALE WEST
Population Served
15,220
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0326332
FLOWERS PLANTATION
Population Served
11,643
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0351195
WOODLAKE WATER & SEWER INC
Population Served
2,287
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC0363114
CARY, TOWN OF
Population Served
224,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0392020
STONEHENGE S/D
Population Served
1,840
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0392298
BAYLEAF MASTER
Population Served
15,585
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0392373
THE CAPE MASTER SYSTEM
Population Served
11,587
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC0465199
PARK SOUTH S/D
Population Served
1,930
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC2060089
CHAPEL RIDGE S/D
Population Served
2,098
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC4019009
NEW LIGHT MASTER
Population Served
2,619
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NC4392224
BROOKWOOD SOUTH/FAYETTEVILLE PWC
Population Served
2,357
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC5026018
LAKE WYLIE MHP (SC4660081)
Population Served
1,225
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
SC4660081
Frequently Asked Questions About Cary Water
Is Cary tap water safe to drink?
Cary, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (53/100), which is considered fair. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 702 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Cary's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in Cary's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), PFOS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 7 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Cary have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cary has 702 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 371 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cary?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Cary is recommended. 3 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Cary's tap water come from?
Cary's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by DIAMOND HEAD S/D and 13 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 309,204 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Cary's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Cary's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Cary's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Cary's water quality score of 53/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cary's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cary's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (DIAMOND HEAD S/D) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.