B66/100
Fayetteville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 215,590 residents · North Carolina
What's In Fayetteville's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.015 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.009 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 230.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
1,4-dioxane | 3.70 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
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
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC WORKS COMM
Population Served
215,590
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0326010
Frequently Asked Questions About Fayetteville Water
Is Fayetteville tap water safe to drink?
Fayetteville, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of B (66/100), which is considered good. Out of 76 contaminants tested, 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 4 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Fayetteville's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Fayetteville's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, chlorate, 1,4-dioxane. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Fayetteville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Fayetteville has 8 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Fayetteville?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Fayetteville is recommended. 2 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 Fayetteville's tap water come from?
Fayetteville's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC WORKS COMM. The system serves approximately 215,590 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Fayetteville'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. Fayetteville'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 Fayetteville's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Fayetteville's water quality score of 66/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Fayetteville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Fayetteville'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 (FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC WORKS COMM) 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.