Cary, NC: 25 Health Violations — 63/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 9 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current EPA data, Cary, NC reflects fair but uneven tap water safety.
How Cary Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Cary, NC
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Cary.
Cary Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 645 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,360 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.55.
Water Systems Serving Cary
9 water systems are tracked federally in Cary, NC. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Cary, North Carolina (population ~167,694), covering 9 community water systems serving approximately 1,056,494 people region-wide.
5 of 5 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 25 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cary: C (63/100)
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
Cary 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 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 5 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 474 | 5 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 84 | 5 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 48 | 5 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 48 | 5 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 24 | 5 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27511 | C | 129 | 5 | Cary, Town of |
| 27512 | C | 129 | 5 | Cary, Town of |
| 27513 | C | 129 | 5 | Cary, Town of |
| 27518 | C | 129 | 5 | Cary, Town of |
| 27519 | C | 129 | 5 | Cary, Town of |
All ZIP Codes in Cary
- 27511 [C] — 129 violations ⚠
- 27512 [C] — 129 violations ⚠
- 27513 [C] — 129 violations ⚠
- 27518 [C] — 129 violations ⚠
- 27519 [C] — 129 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.
CDC Health Data for Cary
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Cary
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Cary's Housing Stock?
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
Cary has a newer housing profile — median build year 1994, placing most homes after the 1986 lead-solder ban.
Most homes in Cary 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.
Cary: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Cary, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Cary are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,180–$4,380 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 152% above the North Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Cary
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.
Where pre-rule stock represents a smaller fraction of the inventory — 25% across Cary — the structural drivers of household exposure run thinner. Aggregate readings under the federal benchmark reinforce that picture, with one-home draws remaining the only direct measurement for a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Cary
FEMA data shows 80% of Cary's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 197 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Cary has a moderate flood history with 197 FEMA claims averaging $11,885 per payout. 80% 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>$2,360</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 Cary
- 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 Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Cary's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cary, NC