Water Quality in Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 32 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

PWC Fayetteville · Source: Cape Fear River · Serves 208,501 residents

32
Hardness (PPM)
82
TDS (PPM)
1.2
Chlorine (mg/L)
3
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
32 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 32 PPM TDS 82 PPM PFAS 3 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 1.2 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Fayetteville Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Soft water

Fayetteville's water is slightly hard at 32 PPM, typical of the Southeast Piedmont region. The water quality is generally good, and most homes don't need a water softener at this hardness level.

What Fayetteville's Water Means for Your Home

Fayetteville's water is slightly hard at 32 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Fayetteville, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Fayetteville's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.2 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)32 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids82 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)3 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine1.2 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Fayetteville's Water Supply

Water Utility: PWC Fayetteville

Water Source: Cape Fear River

Population Served: 208,501

Hardness: 32 PPM (1.9 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by PWC Fayetteville. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Fayetteville to Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte

50 PPM · Slightly Hard

Raleigh

45 PPM · Slightly Hard

Greensboro

46 PPM · Slightly Hard

Durham

35 PPM · Slightly Hard

Winston-Salem

49 PPM · Slightly Hard

Wilmington

49 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Fayetteville Water

Is Fayetteville tap water safe to drink?
Fayetteville's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Fayetteville?
Probably not. At 32 PPM, Fayetteville's water is on the softer end. Most homes will not experience noticeable scale buildup. That said, if you have high-end fixtures, a glass shower enclosure, or a tankless water heater, even mild hardness can leave mineral deposits over time. A salt-free conditioner is a low-cost insurance policy in that case.
What water filter is best for Fayetteville?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Fayetteville's water come from?
Fayetteville's drinking water is sourced from Cape Fear River and treated by PWC Fayetteville. Fayetteville's water is slightly hard at 32 PPM, typical of the Southeast Piedmont region. The water quality is generally good, and most homes don't need a water softener at this hardness level.
What is the hardness of Fayetteville water in grains per gallon?
Fayetteville's water hardness is 1.9 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 32 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Fayetteville water damage tankless water heaters?
At 1.9 GPG, Fayetteville's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Fayetteville water safe for babies and infants?
Fayetteville's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the PWC Fayetteville Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.