Exceeds EPA Limit PFAS EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

PFAS in Burlington, NC Drinking Water

PFAS data for Burlington, North Carolina · 86,528 residents · 4 ZIP codes

ZipCheckup's reading of PFAS in Burlington, North Carolina: the highest detected level is 0.017 ppt; the EPA limit is 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually). PFAS carries a high health-risk designation.

For residents of Burlington, North Carolina, PFAS has appeared in public water supply sampling data.

0.017 ppt
Max Level Detected
28.33 ppt
Average Level
4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually)
EPA MCL
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Granular Activated Carbon
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-07-13

PFAS in Burlington Tap Water

PFAS has been detected in Burlington, North Carolina drinking water at a maximum level of 0.017 detections — relative to the EPA MCL of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually).

This analysis covers 86,528 residents across 4 ZIP codes in Burlington.

Burlington's overall water quality grade is A (94/100).

Is PFAS in Burlington Water Safe?

PFAS levels in parts of Burlington exceed the EPA MCL of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

PFAS Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code PFAS Level EPA Limit Status
27217 36 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Not comparable
27215 27 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Not comparable
27216 22 detections 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) Not comparable

Average pfas level across Burlington: 28.33 ppt

Health Effects of PFAS

  • Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
  • Thyroid disease and immune system suppression
  • Reproductive problems and reduced fertility
  • Elevated cholesterol and liver effects
  • Developmental effects in infants and children

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024).

How PFAS Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Firefighting foam (AFFF) used at military bases and airports
  • Industrial manufacturing (non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics)
  • Wastewater treatment plants that receive industrial discharge
  • Landfill leachate from PFAS-containing consumer products

What to Do About PFAS in Burlington Water

  1. Install a reverse osmosis system (most effective — removes 90%+ of PFAS)
  2. Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove some PFAS compounds
  3. Look for NSF 53 or NSF 58 certification specifically tested for PFAS
  4. Pitcher filters with activated carbon provide partial reduction

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for pfas removal.

Related

HomeContaminantsPFASNorth Carolina → Burlington

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). PFAS in Burlington, NC Drinking Water. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/pfas/burlington-nc/
BibTeX
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-pfas-burlington-nc,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{PFAS in Burlington, NC Drinking Water}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/pfas/burlington-nc/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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