Burlington, NC: 4 Health Violations — 94/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 13 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Tap water monitoring data for Burlington shows a consistently clean picture in NC — few violations on record, compliance well above the median.
How Burlington Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Burlington Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 40 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.38 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Burlington
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Burlington, NC's residential water connections out of 13 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Burlington, North Carolina (population ~86,528), covering 13 community water systems serving approximately 437,675 people region-wide.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Burlington: A (94/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Burlington water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 4 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 30 | 4 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 4 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 5 | 4 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27215 | A | 10 | 1 | City of Burlington, |
| 27216 | A | 10 | 1 | City of Burlington, |
| 27217 | A | 10 | 1 | City of Burlington, |
| 27220 | A | 10 | 1 | City of Burlington, |
All ZIP Codes in Burlington
- 27215 [A] — 10 violations ⚠
- 27216 [A] — 10 violations ⚠
- 27217 [A] — 10 violations ⚠
- 27220 [A] — 10 violations ⚠
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Burlington
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Burlington Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Burlington Homeowners
Because property values in Burlington comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Burlington are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$2,275 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 3% above the North Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Burlington
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Burlington appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Burlington
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Burlington falls in moderate-exposure territory — 87 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 50% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Burlington has a moderate flood history with 87 FEMA claims averaging $18,794 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,500</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Burlington, NC