Bonlee, NC Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Bonlee tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for NC — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Bonlee Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Bonlee Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.21 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Bonlee
One utility dominates residential water service in Bonlee, NC — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bonlee, North Carolina (population ~53), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 8,520 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bonlee — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bonlee: B (73/100)
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
Bonlee water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Bonlee
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27213 | B | SILER CITY, TOWN OF | 8,520 |
All ZIP Codes in Bonlee
- 27213 [B]
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 Bonlee
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 Bonlee's Housing Stock?
With 100% 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
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Bonlee, where the median build year is 1952, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Bonlee 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.
Protecting Children from Lead in Bonlee
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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 100% of Bonlee stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Bonlee
Although Bonlee's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 3 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Bonlee has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $21,588 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>$1,800</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 Bonlee, NC