Cary, NC 27511
701 water systems • 214,983 residents
Poor water quality - filtration recommended
Score: 37/100
Graded on EPA violations, contaminants, severity, compliance, and enforcement history. See methodology.
Data updated June 2026 • Sources: EPA ECHO and EPA Envirofacts
86
Contaminants Detected
63,275
Violations on Record
5,542
Health-Based Violations
0
Recent Violations
Grade Breakdown
37 / 100 points
Recommended Water Filters
- ✓Point-of-Use Carbon Filter (NSF-certified for lead)
- ✓Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange Filter
- ✓Ultraviolet (UV) Purification
- ✓Activated Carbon Filter (disinfection byproducts)
- ✓Whole Home Carbon Filter System
Consult a water quality specialist for personalized recommendations.
Cary vs NC & National Average
Detected Contaminants
86 contaminants detected across water systems serving this ZIP code
Water System Information
- Systems Serving This ZIP:
- KNOB CREEK WATER SYSTEM, ARMFIELD S/D PHASE IA, WOODBRIDGE S/D, HIGH MEADOWS S/D, WALKER HEIGHTS S/D +5 more
- Population Served:
- 214,983
- Systems With Violations:
- 669 of 701
- Major Violations:
- 42,279
- Enforcement Actions:
- 57,678
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grade mean?
Our A–F grade ranks this ZIP code's water quality against every other analyzed ZIP in the country, based on EPA data. A = among the best, F = among the most troubled.
Is my tap water safe to drink?
Water systems regulated by the EPA must comply with Safe Drinking Water Act standards. However, if you're concerned about water quality, consider a water filter appropriate for your contaminants.
How often is the data updated?
We update our data quarterly with the latest EPA ECHO and Envirofacts data. Historical violations are tracked to identify patterns.
What filters do you recommend?
Filter recommendations are based on detected contaminants in your area. See our Filter Guide for detailed information about different filter types.