TapSafetyReport
F0/100

Chapel Hill Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 1,042 residents · North Carolina

What's In Chapel Hill's Tap Water?

1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.003 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

16

Violations (last 5yr)

1

Unresolved

1

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025Verify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Reporting violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 17, 2024 – February 19, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment technique violation

When: October 17, 2024 – February 19, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – February 8, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 11, 2023 – July 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2021 – July 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2021 – July 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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

ROCKBRIDGE S/D
Population Served

1,042

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

NC4092073

Frequently Asked Questions About Chapel Hill Water

Is Chapel Hill tap water safe to drink?

Chapel Hill, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 38 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Chapel Hill's water?

Of the 1 contaminants tested in Chapel Hill's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Chapel Hill have any water quality violations?

Yes, Chapel Hill has 38 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 15 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Chapel Hill's tap water come from?

Chapel Hill's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by ROCKBRIDGE S/D. The system serves approximately 1,042 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Chapel Hill'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. Chapel Hill'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 Chapel Hill's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?

Chapel Hill's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Chapel Hill's water quality?

If you have concerns about Chapel Hill'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 (ROCKBRIDGE 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.

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