US Water Score: B
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
76.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | |
| Copper |
10110.0
|
1300 ppb | 300 ppb |
UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 7.3 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
| PFPeA | 7.0 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| PFHxA | 6.6 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
| PFBS | 3.4 ppt | 2000 ppt | 100 ppt | Below comparison value |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Cary, North Carolina (27511) receives an overall grade of B (Moderate-low record-based concern) with a score of 80 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 10 points below the North Carolina state average of 90. The area is served by 692 water systems providing water to approximately 224,000 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. PFAS testing detected 4 compounds, all below the EPA final MCL values used for comparison. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 853 violations, including 17 health-based violations.
A score of 80/100 means Cary, NC performs well in the US Water Score model, with only minor system-level concerns. Residents should still review their utility's Consumer Confidence Report for official compliance information and household-specific context.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Copper can leach into water from copper plumbing, especially in newer homes or when water is acidic.
Short-term exposure above 1,300 ppb can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.
Copper pipes, fittings, and faucets are the most common source. Corrosive (low-pH) water accelerates copper leaching.
If copper levels are elevated, flush pipes by running water for 15–30 seconds before use. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively remove copper.
Common Questions
Based on public water-system records, Cary, North Carolina receives an internal US Water Score grade of B (Moderate-low record-based concern) with a score of 80/100. This indicates relatively few system-level concerns in our model, but it is not an EPA safety rating and does not guarantee tap conditions inside individual homes.
ZIP code 27511 is served by 692 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 224,000 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.
Lead levels in the public-system record for Cary, North Carolina are 76.0 ppb, above the currently applicable EPA action level of 15 ppb. EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements lower that action level to 10 ppb when the new requirements take effect. This system-level result does not measure an individual tap; consider a certified lead-removal filter and independent tap testing.
4 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Cary, North Carolina, with reported values below the EPA final MCL values used by this site. This comparison is informational: federal compliance timelines and the status of some PFAS standards are still evolving. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce some PFAS when appropriately certified and maintained.
Water systems serving Cary, North Carolina have received 853 violations in the last 5 years, including 17 health-based violations. 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.
Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS, copper), residents in Cary, North Carolina should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.