Alexander, NC: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Alexander reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in NC — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Alexander Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Alexander Water
- Homes built before 1986: 34% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.54 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Alexander
3 independent water providers serve Alexander, NC — 3 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Alexander, North Carolina (population ~5,515), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 168,069 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Alexander — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Alexander: D (53/100)
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
Alexander water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Alexander
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28701 | D | WOODFIN SANITARY WATER AND SEWER | 10,122 |
All ZIP Codes in Alexander
- 28701 [D]
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 Alexander
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Alexander
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
With a median build year of 1996, Alexander's housing stock reflects a city built across multiple eras. A substantial share of homes predate 1986 — the year lead solder in plumbing was federally banned — meaning the risk from plumbing materials is unevenly distributed across the city's neighborhoods and property types.
Most homes in Alexander were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Alexander Homeowners
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Alexander is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Alexander. The estimated $2,600–$5,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 23% above the North Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Alexander
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.
Routinely in Alexander, where 34% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Alexander
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Alexander shows a moderate flood record — 8 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Alexander has a moderate flood history with 8 FEMA claims averaging $53,016 per payout. 100% 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>$3,700</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.
What You Can Do in Alexander
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 34% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Alexander, NC