Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideStatus: Normal Operations

ZIP Code 28734 Water Quality & Testing Report

Franklin, NC · Macon County County · Updated for 2026

Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 28734 (Franklin, NC)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 28734 (Franklin, NC) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Franklin, Town of, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (71/100) with 2 health violations, 3.0 ppb lead, and soft (57 mg/L / 3.3 GPG) water.

Safety Score

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

Total Violations

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 1 unresolved violation. Contact Franklin, Town of for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 28734

Tap water in ZIP code 28734 (Franklin, NC) is distributed by Franklin, Town of (EPA ID: NC0157010), serving approximately 9,650 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 71/100.

Water System

Franklin, Town of

EPA ID: NC0157010

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

9,650 residents

County

Macon County County, North Carolina

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Lead Levels in ZIP 28734

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 3.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 28734 is 3.0 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 28734 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 43% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)

3.00 ppb (0.003 mg/L)

Lead Exposure Risk Rating

Moderate

Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

43%

Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.

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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Soft3.3 GPG · 57 mg/L

Water in ZIP 28734 is classified as Soft (57 mg/L / 3.3 GPG). Soft water produces abundant soap lather, prevents scale buildup in water heaters, and does not leave spots on dishes.

Recommendation: No water softener is needed. Standard carbon filtration is sufficient for taste and chlorine reduction.

Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

3.3 GPG

Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

57 mg/L

Appliance Scaling Risk

Very Low

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Franklin, Town of · PWSID: NC0157010

Verify on EPA.gov

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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Franklin, Town of has recorded 2 health-based violations out of 4 total violations over the past 5 years. 1 violation remains unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)

Health-Based Violations

Unresolved Violations

Boil Water Advisories

Compliance Risk

High

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated High based on past reporting and enforcement records.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Stage 2 DBP Rule, Stage 1 DBP Rule.

Stage 2 DBP RuleStage 1 DBP Rule

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type

Surface Water

EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2

Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.05%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 28734

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 28734 served by Franklin, Town of can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

•Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
•Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
•Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in NC for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 28734 Recommendations

✓

Your water quality is good

Your water meets all EPA health standards. Standard precautions are sufficient for most residents.

✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Franklin, Town of
✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

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NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 28734 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 28734?+

Yes — tap water in 28734 (Franklin, NC) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.

How do I get my water tested in ZIP 28734 (Franklin, NC)?+

To test water quality in ZIP 28734, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in NC. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for a list of certified regional labs.

How hard is the tap water in 28734?+

Tap water in 28734 is classified as Soft with an estimated mineral hardness of 57 mg/L (3.3 GPG). No water softener is needed. Standard carbon filtration is sufficient for taste and chlorine reduction.

Should I test private well water in 28734?+

Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 28734 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.

What is the lead level in 28734 tap water?+

The 90th percentile lead level in 28734 is 3.0 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.

Is there an active boil water notice in 28734?+

There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 28734. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.

Who provides tap water to 28734?+

Tap water in ZIP code 28734 is provided by Franklin, Town of (EPA ID: NC0157010), serving approximately 9,650 residents.

What water filter should I use in 28734?+

Based on water metrics for 28734, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Chemical Contaminants), NSF/ANSI 42 (Aesthetic Effects).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 28734 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Franklin, Town of. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →