Water system

Town of Franklin

Name: Town of Franklin drinking water quality
Creator: TapWaterZip
License: https://www.usa.gov/government-works

North Carolina EPA ID NC0157010 9,992 people Surface water

EPA name: Franklin, Town of

What this means for you

Is it safe to drink right now?: The system’s latest lead 90th-percentile result is above today’s 15 ppb action level. That does not mean every home is over the limit — lead often comes from plumbing in the building — but it is a red flag. Flush cold water before drinking and consider a certified lead filter until you can test your own tap.
Should I use a filter?: Yes, we recommend considering one. Lead results are high enough that a certified lead-reduction filter is a sensible precaution.
What kind of filter?: For lead, choose NSF/ANSI 53 certified for lead reduction (or RO under 58). See matched standards and product picks.

This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.

Summary: 2 health-based violations in the last 5 years; 1 monitoring/reporting violation; PFAS tested (UCMR 5), none above federal limits; Lead 90th percentile ABOVE the action level (2025).

EPA data snapshot 2026Q3. Grade is TapWaterZip's own score — see methods.

PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5

No PFAS detected in any UCMR 5 sample.

5 PFAS tested and not detected

PFNA, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, HFPO-DA (4 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).

Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).

Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.

Lead and copper

Lead 90th percentile17 ppb2025-12-31

Current action level15 ppbLCRI lowers to 10 ppb on Nov 1, 2027

Above today’s 15 ppb lead action level. Ask your utility about corrosion control and test water at your tap.

Violations (last 5 years)

Began	Type	Contaminant / rule	Status
2024-12-10	Required treatment not done	Lead and Copper Rule	Resolved
2024-10-17	Reporting problem	LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS	Resolved
2024-10-17	Required treatment not done	LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS	Resolved

Filters matched to this water

FILTER PICKS

Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.