Is Franklinton, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Franklinton, NC — Water Quality Report
Franklinton's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 29,431 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 257 violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 90 remain unresolved.
What to know about Franklinton's water
Franklinton ranks #377 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Franklinton, NC water safe to drink?
Franklinton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 29,431 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Franklinton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Franklinton's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3534). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Franklinton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Franklinton's water system has 257 total violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 90 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin County has experienced 7 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 Falls Lake Above Dam Nr Falls, Neuse River.
Where does Franklinton's water come from?
Franklinton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 29,431 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Falls Lake Above Dam Nr Falls (lake), Neuse River (river).
What Franklinton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Franklinton'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.
Franklinton'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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Franklinton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Franklinton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 162 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NOVOZYMES NA INC FRANKLINTON, NC27525 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 162 | 2.6 mi |
TONEY LUMBER CO LOUISBURG, NC27549 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
SUNROCK INDUSTRIES LLC - KITTRELL KITTRELL, NC27544 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN LOUISBURG, NC27549 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
CAPTIVEAIRE SYSTEMS INC YOUNGSVILLE, NC27596 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtFranklin 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.
Flood & disaster history
Franklin County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Franklinton'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.600 mg/L (2007)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Franklinton compares by contaminant
Explore where Franklinton ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Franklinton's water comes from
Franklinton'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 29,431 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Franklinton
Franklinton is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Franklinton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANKLIN COUNTY WATER & SEWER | NC0235030 | 26,060 | SWP |
| FRANKLINTON, TOWN OF | NC0235010 | 2,732 | SW |
| MILLSTONE S/D | NC4035009 | 272 | GW |
| RUSTIC RIDGE MHP | NC0235109 | 117 | GW |
| RIDGEMONT S/D | NC4035013 | 110 | GW |
| OLIVET S/D | NC4035034 | 75 | GW |
| SER J`S COUNTRY LIVING MHP | NC0239122 | 65 | GW |
How Franklinton compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Franklinton's score of 42/100 is on par with the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Franklinton, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Franklinton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Franklinton, NC tap water safe to drink?
Franklinton's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #377 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Franklinton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 257 violations are on record.
How is Franklinton'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 Franklinton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Franklinton's water come from?
Franklinton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 29,431 residents.
What health violations has Franklinton's water system had?
Franklinton has 40 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 90 violations remain unresolved.
How does Franklinton's water compare to other cities?
Franklinton ranks #377 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 10% of state cities) and #14873 out of 15744 cities nationally (6th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.