Is High Point, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
High Point tap water is legally compliant, but one contaminant exceeds health guidelines. Specifically: PFAS above EPA limits (PFOA: 4.2 ppt, PFOS: 10 ppt — limit is 4 ppt each). A point-of-use filter is recommended for drinking and cooking water.
Hardness Scale: Where High Point Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How High Point Compares
High Point's water is 67% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 72% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within North Carolina, it ranks #8 of 25 cities (12% above the state average of 41 PPM). Among mid-size cities (100k-200k), High Point ranks #145 of 189 for hardness.
What High Point's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 46 PPM - Low Concern
High Point's water is slightly hard at 46 PPM. Most households won't notice any issues at this level. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would be overkill. If you're thinking about water treatment, contaminant filtration is where to focus your money, not softening.
Contaminants & Safety
Forever chemicals (PFAS) are a serious concern here. High Point has PFOA at 4.2 ppt and PFOS at 10 ppt — the EPA's 2024 limit is 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually. PFAS don't break down in your body or the environment. Research links long-term exposure to increased cancer risk, thyroid issues, and immune system problems. The fix: a whole-house activated carbon filter or a point-of-use reverse osmosis system. Look for NSF P473 certification — that's the standard that specifically tests for PFAS removal.
What's in the Treatment Process
High Point's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 34.3 ppb (43% of the legal limit, but 229x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 25.3 ppb (42% of the legal limit, but 253x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts.
Chromium-6 was detected at 0.0564 ppb, which is 2.8x the EWG health guideline. There's no separate federal limit for chromium-6, only total chromium. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective removal method. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 46 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 85 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 34.65 ppt | — | No total limit | Detected |
| ↳ PFOA | 4.2 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| ↳ PFOS | 10 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| Lead | 6.1 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ⚠ Elevated |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.3 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | Not reported | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | N/A |
Recommendations for High Point Homes
Recommended Filter for High Point
PFAS exceed EPA limits (PFOA: 4.2 ppt, PFOS: 10 ppt — limit: 4 ppt each). A certified filter reduces these contaminants effectively.
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.3 mg/L chlorine, many High Point residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in High Point
With PFAS at 34.65 ppt in High Point's supply, confirming your home's specific levels is especially important. PFAS vary by neighborhood and can concentrate differently depending on your position in the distribution system.
Free option: Request City of High Point's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About High Point's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of High Point
Water Source: City Lake, Oak Hollow Lake (Surface Water)
Population Served: 118,399
Hardness: 46 PPM (2.7 grains per gallon)
High Point's drinking water comes from surface sources — City Lake, Oak Hollow Lake. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 118,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request City of High Point's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by City of High Point in High Point, NC, including ZIP codes:
27203, 27204, 27205, 27230, 27235, 27239, 27247, 27248, 27260, 27261, 27262, 27263, 27264, 27265, 27268, 27282, 27292, 27294, 27316, 27317, 27325, 27341, 27350, 27356, 27360, 27370
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare High Point to Other North Carolina Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About High Point Water
Is High Point tap water safe to drink?
Where does High Point's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in High Point?
How do I remove PFAS from High Point tap water?
What water filter is best for High Point?
Is High Point water safe for babies and infants?
What are disinfection byproducts in High Point's water?
Is chromium-6 in High Point's water?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What High Point Homeowners Actually Buy
Prioritized for contaminant reduction for homes with 46 PPM water and PFAS above EPA limits.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on High Point's water data.