Black Mountain, NC: 2 Health Violations — 58/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Black Mountain, water safety data for NC reveals moderate quality — federal standards are generally met, but documented exceptions exist in specific service areas.
How Black Mountain Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Black Mountain Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 16 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $4,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.54 — above typical levels.
Black Mountain's Water Providers
Water delivery in Black Mountain, NC is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 7 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Black Mountain, North Carolina (population ~12,579), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 171,669 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Black Mountain: C (58/100)
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
Black Mountain water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28711 | C | 16 | 2 | Black Mountain, Town of |
All ZIP Codes in Black Mountain
- 28711 [C] — 16 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.
Black Mountain Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Black Mountain's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Black Mountain Infrastructure Age
With 51% 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 Black Mountain's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1984 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Black Mountain 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Black Mountain
Middle of the range — Black Mountain homeowners face a remediation share that calls for real financial attention without reaching crisis territory.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Black Mountain. The estimated $2,750–$6,100 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 52% above the North Carolina average.
Black Mountain: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Older stock in Black Mountain represents 51% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Black Mountain: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Black Mountain falls in moderate-exposure territory — 84 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Black Mountain has a moderate flood history with 84 FEMA claims averaging $54,684 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>$4,000</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 Black Mountain
- 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. Filters rated for Stage 2 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Black Mountain's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 51% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Black Mountain, NC