B
83

Good Water Quality

Winston Salem, NC 27104

Forsyth County · Population served: 388,060 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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WINSTON-SALEM, CITY OF
Surface water · Pop. 388,060
PWSID: NC0234010

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

4Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
4Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Winston Salem

Tap water quality in Winston Salem, North Carolina (27104) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 83 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 11 points above the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by Winston-Salem, City Of, a surface water system providing water to approximately 388,060 people.

Your Score 83/100 B
vs State 11 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 8 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 83/100 means the water in Winston Salem, NC is generally good and meets EPA standards, with only minor areas of concern. There may be low levels of detectable contaminants or a small number of non-critical violations. Most residents can feel comfortable with their tap water quality, though basic filtration can provide an extra layer of protection.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Winston Salem, North Carolina receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 83/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 27104 is served by 1 water system using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 388,060 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 27104. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Winston Salem, North Carolina during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Winston Salem, North Carolina have received 4 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Water in Winston Salem, North Carolina shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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