C51/100
Graham Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 20,851 residents · North Carolina
What's In Graham's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 360.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
PFOA | 0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2008.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
GRAHAM, CITY OF
Population Served
18,354
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NC0201015
SWEPSONVILLE, TOWN OF
Population Served
2,497
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NC3001005
Frequently Asked Questions About Graham Water
Is Graham tap water safe to drink?
Graham, North Carolina tap water receives a grade of C (51/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 36 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Graham's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Graham's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Graham have any water quality violations?
Yes, Graham has 36 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Graham?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Graham is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Graham's tap water come from?
Graham's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by GRAHAM, CITY OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 20,851 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Graham's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Graham's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Graham's water compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Graham's water quality score of 51/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our North Carolina state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Graham's water quality?
If you have concerns about Graham's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (GRAHAM, CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.