Is Green Level, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.2/100
Green Level, NC — Water Quality Report
Green Level's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,450 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 30 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Green Level's water
Green Level ranks #149 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Green Level may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Green Level, NC water safe to drink?
Green Level's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,450 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Green Level
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Green Level's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3586). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Green Level's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Green Level's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 17 remain unresolved. 3 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 Green Level's water come from?
Green Level's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,450 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Haw River (river).
What Green Level residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Green Level'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.
Green Level'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 Green Level
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Green Level, 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 | 9.3 mi |
NORTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING SWEPSONVILLE, NC27359 | Copper | 14 | 6.3 mi |
INDUSTRIAL CONNECTIONS & SOLUTIONS LLC MEBANE, NC27302 | Silver | 0 | 7.0 mi |
HYDRO EXTRUSION USA LLC BURLINGTON, NC27215 | Lead | 0 | 7.2 mi |
BURLINGTON FINISHING PLANT BURLINGTON, NC27217 | — | — | 5.1 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 Green Level compares by contaminant
Explore where Green Level ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Green Level's water comes from
Green Level'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 2,450 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Green Level
Green Level is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Green Level
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREEN LEVEL, TOWN OF | NC0201030 | 2,450 | SWP |
How Green Level compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Green Level's score of 80.2/100 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 Green Level, NC
Wikipedia →Burlington is a city in Alamance and Guilford counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the principal city of the Burlington, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Alamance County, in which most of the city is located, and is a part of the Greensboro–Winston-Salem–High Point, NC Combined Statistical Area. The population was 57,303 at the 2020 census, which makes Burlington the 18th-most populous city in North Carolina.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Green Level's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alamance
Frequently asked questions
Is Green Level, NC tap water safe to drink?
Green Level's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #149 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Green Level's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Green Level'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 Green Level?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Green Level's water come from?
Green Level's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,450 residents.
What health violations has Green Level's water system had?
Green Level has 1 health-based violation 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Green Level's water compare to other cities?
Green Level ranks #149 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 64% of state cities) and #7971 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Green Level's small water system affect quality?
Green Level's system serves approximately 2,450 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 30 violations on record.