Is Brown Summit, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Brown Summit, NC — Water Quality Report
Brown Summit's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 686 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 68 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brown Summit's water
Brown Summit ranks #156 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Brown Summit relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Brown Summit may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brown Summit, NC water safe to drink?
Brown Summit's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 686 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brown Summit
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brown Summit's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brown Summit's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Brown Summit's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
Where does Brown Summit's water come from?
Brown Summit's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 686 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Brown Summit residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brown Summit's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGuilford 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Brown Summit's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brown Summit compares by contaminant
Explore where Brown Summit ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brown Summit's water comes from
Brown Summit's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 686 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Brown Summit
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUTUMN FOREST MHP | NC0241103 | 686 | GW |
How Brown Summit compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Brown Summit's score of 79.8/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Brown Summit, NC
Wikipedia →Browns Summit is a small unincorporated community in Guilford County, North Carolina, United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brown Summit's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Guilford
Frequently asked questions
Is Brown Summit, NC tap water safe to drink?
Brown Summit's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #156 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Brown Summit's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Brown Summit'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 Brown Summit?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brown Summit's water come from?
Brown Summit's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 686 residents.
Is Brown Summit's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brown Summit uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 68 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Brown Summit's water compare to other cities?
Brown Summit ranks #156 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 63% of state cities) and #8142 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Brown Summit's small water system affect quality?
Brown Summit's system serves approximately 686 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 68 violations on record.