Tap water quality in Greensboro, North Carolina? Is it safe to drink?

The water quality in Greensboro, North Carolina is a topic of keen interest for its residents. The local water utility responsible for supplying water to Greensboro is the Greensboro Water Resources Department.

Water Quality Problems in Greensboro:

1. Source: The primary source of water for Greensboro comes from surface water, primarily from Lake Townsend, Lake Brandt, and Lake Higgins. These lakes are managed to ensure a sustainable water supply for the city’s residents.
2. Testing and Standards: The Greensboro Water Resources Department conducts regular testing to ensure that the water meets safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). This involves monitoring for a range of potential contaminants to ensure public safety.
3. Water Hardness: Water in Greensboro is considered moderately hard due to the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium. This can cause issues such as scale buildup in pipes and appliances, potentially affecting their efficiency and longevity.
4. Common Concerns: Some common concerns among Greensboro residents include the taste and odor of the tap water, which can occasionally be affected by algae blooms in the water supply sources. While these issues do not typically pose a health risk, they can be off-putting. Additionally, there are concerns regarding periodic contaminant detections that, while within legal limits, still cause some worry among the residents.

Given the water quality issues in Greensboro, it is advisable for residents to consider using water purifiers and water softeners. These devices can help to further ensure the safety and palatability of their tap water, protecting them from potential contaminants and reducing the effects of hard water.