WaterVerge

Is Broadway, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NC0353015
Overall Score
85.5 / 100
Violations
10 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#71 of 417 in North Carolina Top 34% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
85.5/100
waterverge.com
A- 85.5/100

Broadway, NC — Water Quality Report

Broadway's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,783 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 32 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Broadway's water

Broadway ranks #71 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, Broadway may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
85.5 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.5/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Broadway, NC water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Broadway's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,783 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

10
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Broadway

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Broadway's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE IAN

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE ISAIAS

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Broadway's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Broadway's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2023 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2018 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2016 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2011 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Lee County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth.

HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3586
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA DR-3534
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-3423

Where does Broadway's water come from?

Broadway's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,783 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth (river).

What Broadway residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Broadway's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Monitor alerts during storms

Broadway's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

32
Total violations
13
Health-based
10
Active / unresolved
Jan 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

32 Total
10 Active
13 Health-based
22 Resolved
Violations by category
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
8
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
7
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
6
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
5
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Jan 2023 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2011 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2011 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jun 2005 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2002 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2011 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2011
Oct 2010 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2010
Oct 2010 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2010
Jul 2010 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2010
Jul 2010 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2010
Apr 2010 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2010
Apr 2010 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2010
Apr 2005 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2005
Apr 2005 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2005
Jan 2005 Resolved
Combined Radium (-226 and -228)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2005
Showing 20 of 32 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Broadway

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Broadway, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
MOEN INC
Fabricated Metals · FORTUNE BRANDS INNOVATIONS INC
SANFORD, NC27332
Copper02.8 mi
LEE BRICK & TILE CO
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · NA
SANFORD, NC27330
9.6 mi
PENTAIR WATER POOL & SPA INC.
Plastics and Rubber · PENTAIR INC
SANFORD, NC27330
7.5 mi
CATERPILLAR INC
Machinery · CATERPILLAR INC
SANFORD, NC27330
9.3 mi
NOBLE OIL SERVICES INC
Petroleum Bulk Terminals · CLEAN HARBORS INC
SANFORD, NC27330
9.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Lee County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
25.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Oct 2022
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Lee County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2022
HURRICANE IAN
Hurricane FEMA #3586
Aug 2020
HURRICANE ISAIAS
Hurricane FEMA #3534
Sep 2019
HURRICANE DORIAN
Hurricane FEMA #3423
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #4393
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3401
Oct 2016
HURRICANE MATTHEW
Hurricane FEMA #4285

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 2016 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,783
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Broadway's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Broadway's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,783 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Broadway

Broadway is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Buckhorn Creek Nr Corinth
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Broadway

System Name PWSID Population Source
BROADWAY, TOWN OF NC0353015 1,783 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Broadway compares

Full North Carolina rankings →

Broadway's score of 85.5/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Broadway (this city)
85.5
Charlotte
36.5
Raleigh
30.7
Durham
36.6
Greensboro
33.5
North Carolina avg
43
City Profile

About Broadway, NC

Economic Profile
$63,333
Median Income
$214,777
Median Home Value
$890/mo
Median Rent
2.9%
Unemployment
Community
48.3
Median Age
422
People / sq mi
28.3%
College Educated
82.6%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Broadway, NC tap water safe to drink?

Broadway's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #71 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.

What contaminants are in Broadway's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.

How is Broadway's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Broadway?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Broadway's water come from?

Broadway's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,783 residents.

What health violations has Broadway's water system had?

Broadway has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.

How does Broadway's water compare to other cities?

Broadway ranks #71 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 83% of state cities) and #5298 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Broadway's small water system affect quality?

Broadway's system serves approximately 1,783 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 32 violations on record.