Is Graham, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 224 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Graham, NC — Water Quality Report
Graham's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 898 residents using groundwater.
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 454 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 224 remain unresolved.
What to know about Graham's water
Graham ranks #350 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Graham 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.
As a small community water system, Graham may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Graham, NC water safe to drink?
Graham's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 898 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Graham
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Graham's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Graham's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Graham's water system has 454 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 224 remain unresolved. 43 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Alamance County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Haw River.
Where does Graham's water come from?
Graham's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 898 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Haw River (river).
What Graham residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Graham'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.
Graham'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 Graham
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Graham, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 52 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SOUTH ATLANTIC GALVANIZING GRAHAM, NC27253 | Zinc compounds | 38 | 7.0 mi |
NORTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING SWEPSONVILLE, NC27359 | Copper | 14 | 3.1 mi |
INDUSTRIAL CONNECTIONS & SOLUTIONS LLC MEBANE, NC27302 | Silver | 0 | 8.9 mi |
HYDRO EXTRUSION USA LLC BURLINGTON, NC27215 | Lead | 0 | 3.2 mi |
BURLINGTON FINISHING PLANT BURLINGTON, NC27217 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAlamance 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
Alamance County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Graham compares by contaminant
Explore where Graham ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Graham's water comes from
Graham'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 898 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Graham
Graham is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Graham
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLEEPY HOLLOW ESTATES MHP | NC0201160 | 240 | GW |
| COUNTRY CLUB MHP | NC0201105 | 127 | GW |
| RAE MCKENZIE MOBILE HOME PARK | NC0201166 | 100 | GW |
| CIRCLE K PARK | NC0201165 | 97 | GW |
| MAPLE VIEW MHP | NC0201190 | 96 | GW |
| MAPLE OAKS MHP | NC0201174 | 84 | GW |
| LINEBERRY MHP | NC0201188 | 82 | GW |
| SOUTHWICK S/D | NC3001010 | 72 | GW |
How Graham compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Graham's score of 45/100 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 Graham, NC
Wikipedia →Graham is a city and the county seat of Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census the population was 17,153.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Graham's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alamance
Frequently asked questions
Is Graham, NC tap water safe to drink?
Graham's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #350 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Graham's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 454 violations are on record.
How is Graham'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 Graham?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Graham's water come from?
Graham's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 898 residents.
What health violations has Graham's water system had?
Graham has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 224 violations remain unresolved.
Is Graham's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Graham 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 454 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 Graham's water compare to other cities?
Graham ranks #350 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 16% of state cities) and #14300 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.