Is Haw River, NC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.5/100
waterverge.com Haw River, NC — Water Quality Report
Haw River's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,650 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 36 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Haw River's water
Haw River ranks #23 out of 417 cities in North Carolina for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Haw River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Haw River, NC water safe to drink?
Haw River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,650 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Haw River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Haw River's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.5/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Haw River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Haw River's water system has 36 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
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 Haw River's water come from?
Haw River's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,650 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 Haw River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Haw River'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.
Haw River'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 Haw River
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Haw River, 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 | 7.7 mi |
NORTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING SWEPSONVILLE, NC27359 | Copper | 14 | 4.3 mi |
INDUSTRIAL CONNECTIONS & SOLUTIONS LLC MEBANE, NC27302 | Silver | 0 | 7.1 mi |
HYDRO EXTRUSION USA LLC BURLINGTON, NC27215 | Lead | 0 | 5.4 mi |
BURLINGTON FINISHING PLANT BURLINGTON, NC27217 | — | — | 3.5 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 Haw River compares by contaminant
Explore where Haw River ranks among all North Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Haw River's water comes from
Haw River'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 2,650 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Haw River
Haw River 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 Haw River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAW RIVER, TOWN OF | NC0201020 | 2,650 | SWP |
How Haw River compares
Full North Carolina rankings →Haw River's score of 89.5/100 is above the average of 43/100 among major North Carolina cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View North Carolina rankings →About Haw River, NC
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Haw River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alamance
Frequently asked questions
Is Haw River, NC tap water safe to drink?
Haw River's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 417 cities tested in North Carolina.
What contaminants are in Haw River's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 36 violations are on record.
How is Haw River'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 Haw River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Haw River's water come from?
Haw River's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,650 residents.
What health violations has Haw River's water system had?
Haw River has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Haw River's water compare to other cities?
Haw River ranks #23 out of 417 cities in North Carolina (better than 94% of state cities) and #2788 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Haw River's small water system affect quality?
Haw River's system serves approximately 2,650 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 36 violations on record.