Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Greensboro?
Yes, tap water in Greensboro is safe to drink. The city treats water from its own chain of protected reservoirs and meets all EPA standards, with PFAS monitoring and treatment upgrades under way as across North Carolina.
Water Source
The City of Greensboro draws from Lake Higgins, Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend — reservoirs on the Reedy Fork watershed north of the city — treated at the Mitchell and Townsend water treatment plants, with an interconnection to Randleman Lake regional supply.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. PFAS has been a statewide focus in North Carolina; Greensboro has detected PFAS compounds linked in part to legacy firefighting foam near the airport, has shifted sourcing and treatment to keep delivered water within the EPA's new limits, and is investing in granular activated carbon upgrades.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •PFAS compounds detected in parts of the reservoir system, associated with legacy firefighting foam use, are managed through source selection and treatment upgrades to meet the EPA's 2024 PFAS rule
- •1,4-dioxane discharged by upstream industrial sources into the Haw River basin has been a regional issue — primarily affecting downstream communities, with Greensboro under pressure to control discharges
- •Standard disinfection byproducts are monitored and compliant
Water Quality Data
Key contaminants detected vs. regulatory limits. All values from the most recent published report — Source: City of Greensboro Water Resources 2024 CCR.
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine (total) | 1.5 mg/L | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| Fluoride | 0.73 mg/L | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| Lead (90th percentile) | 2.6 µg/L | 15.0 µg/L | ✓ |
| Nitrate (as N) | 0.63 mg/L | 10.0 mg/L | ✓ |
| TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes) | 32.1 µg/L | 80.0 µg/L | ✓ |
| HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids) | 22.4 µg/L | 60.0 µg/L | ✓ |
✓ = below limit ⚠ = above health goal ✗ = exceeds guideline
How It Compares
Greensboro's situation mirrors much of North Carolina after the GenX/Cape Fear revelations: legally compliant water with active PFAS management, and treatment investment ahead of the EPA's 2029 PFAS compliance deadline.
Tips
- •The city publishes PFAS sampling results alongside its annual quality report
- •A carbon filter certified for PFAS reduction is a reasonable optional extra while plant upgrades complete
- •Soft Piedmont water means little scale and good taste
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality