Water Quality Report ยท Winston-Salem, NC

Is Winston-Salem, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Based on EPA UCMR5 monitoring data, EPA SDWIS federal violations records, and EWG Tap Water Database published findings.

56
๐Ÿ”ถ C โ€” Elevated Risk
Winston-Salem, NC ยท ZIP 27101
PFAS Detected: 4.4 ppt 7 contaminants above EWG health guidelines 12 total contaminants detected

How Does Winston-Salem Tap Water Score?

NC has severe PFAS contamination in many systems from Chemours/Dupont Fayetteville Works plant.

Water source: Surface water (Salem Lake, Belews Lake)

Water utility: Forsyth County Water Distribution

By the Numbers

56
HAVEN Score (out of 100)
4.4 ppt
PFAS Level
7
Above EWG Health Guidelines
12
Total Contaminants Detected

PFAS in Winston-Salem Water

Detected at approximately 4.4 ppt per EPA monitoring data โ€” above the EPA's 4 ppt maximum contaminant level (effective 2026). Reverse osmosis or AquaTru filtration removes 99%+ of PFAS compounds.

The EPA's new maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFAS is 4 ppt, effective 2026. PFAS compounds have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune disruption, and developmental issues at chronic exposure levels per peer-reviewed research.

What's In Winston-Salem Tap Water?

The following contaminants have been detected or are associated with elevated risk in this water system, per available EPA and EWG published data:

PFAS (Chemours/Dupont legacy)Disinfection ByproductsNitrateChromium

These detections are drawn from EPA SDWIS federal violations database and EWG Tap Water Database records. EWG health guidelines are stricter than EPA legal limits and reflect long-term exposure risk.

Compliance Record

EPA SDWIS records show 1 health-based violation(s) and 0 lead action-level violation(s) in the past 5 years at this utility. Violations reflect the legal threshold; actual health risk at sub-violation levels is addressed by EWG health guidelines used in HAVEN's scoring.

Best Water Filter for Winston-Salem, NC

๐Ÿ’ง HAVEN's Filter Recommendation

Reverse osmosis filtration is recommended โ€” AquaTru Carafe ($149) or APEC ROES-50 under-sink RO ($250). RO removes 99%+ PFAS, lead, nitrates, arsenic, chromium, and disinfection byproducts in a single system.

What Else Is In Your Home?

Water is one of six categories HAVEN scores. Take the free 3-minute quiz to get your complete Home Health Score โ€” mold, air quality, EMF, household chemicals, and more.

Get My Free Home Health Score โ†’
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Data Disclaimer: HAVEN water quality data is derived from EPA UCMR5 PFAS monitoring, EPA SDWIS federal violations database, and EWG Tap Water Database published records (2021โ€“2025). This data is publicly available and is presented for educational and informational purposes only. HAVEN makes no warranty as to current conditions; water quality can change. Scores and notes reflect published data at time of compilation and should not be treated as a substitute for current laboratory testing. For definitive assessment, independent certified laboratory water testing is recommended.