Atlantic, NC Water Safety: 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Atlantic, NC: mid-range safety grade, uneven compliance across service areas.
How Atlantic Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Atlantic Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 77% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.93 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Atlantic
Because residential water in Atlantic, NC flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Atlantic, North Carolina, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 627 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Atlantic — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Atlantic: C (60/100)
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
Atlantic water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Atlantic
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28511 | C | INTEGRATED CARE OF GREATER HICKORY INC. | 35 |
All ZIP Codes in Atlantic
- 28511 [C]
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.
CDC Health Data for Atlantic
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
How Old Is Atlantic's Housing Stock?
With 77% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Because the majority of Atlantic's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1967 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Atlantic were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Atlantic: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Atlantic is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Atlantic are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 34% below the North Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Atlantic
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 Atlantic, where 77% 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Atlantic
Flood risk in Atlantic occupies the middle ground: 102 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Atlantic has a moderate flood history with 102 FEMA claims averaging $16,409 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>$1,200</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 Atlantic
- 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 77% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Atlantic, NC