Cerro Gordo, NC Water Safety: 87/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households in Cerro Gordo, NC water data shows a consistently above-average safety picture.
How Cerro Gordo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Cerro Gordo Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 54% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.91 — above typical levels.
Cerro Gordo's Water Providers
Multiple utilities divide Cerro Gordo, NC's water service — 2 leading providers among 2 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cerro Gordo, North Carolina, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,678 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Cerro Gordo — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cerro Gordo: A (87/100)
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
Cerro Gordo water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Cerro Gordo
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28430 | A | Cerro Gordo, Town of | 246 |
All ZIP Codes in Cerro Gordo
- 28430 [A]
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.
Cerro Gordo 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
Cerro Gordo Infrastructure Age
With 54% 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
Plumbing risk in older housing is defined by two eras: the pre-1970 period when lead pipes were commonly used for service lines, and the 1970-to-1986 period when lead solder remained standard in copper plumbing until the federal ban. Cerro Gordo's median build year of 1986 lands in a range where both eras are heavily represented in the housing stock. That creates an elevated aggregate environment for plumbing-related lead exposure — one that city-level water quality averages don't capture, because the risk sits inside individual properties rather than in the distribution system.
Over half of homes in Cerro Gordo 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 Cerro Gordo
What does remediation cost in financial context for Cerro Gordo homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Cerro Gordo are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 49% below the North Carolina average.
Cerro Gordo: 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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 54% of Cerro Gordo stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Cerro Gordo: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
How does Cerro Gordo's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 3 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Cerro Gordo has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $5,291 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cerro Gordo, NC