Fair — Average Score 72/100
State Overview
Water quality across North Carolina receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with an average score of 72 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from 811 ZIP codes statewide. This is roughly in line with the national average of 75. Approximately 20% of ZIP codes (160 areas) receive a D or F grade, indicating communities with notable water quality concerns that warrant attention. The lowest-scoring area is ZIP code 27609 (Raleigh) with a score of 19/100. Scores are calculated from EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) violation records, lead and copper testing results, PFAS monitoring data from UCMR5, and enforcement actions over the past 5 years.
Lowest Scoring ZIP Codes