Cleveland, NC: 1 Health Violation — 98/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The water systems supplying Cleveland show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in NC.
How Cleveland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Cleveland Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 22 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0038 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 40% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.95 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Cleveland
Across Cleveland, NC, residential water comes from 3 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 5 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cleveland, North Carolina (population ~6,975), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 59,208 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cleveland: A (98/100)
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
Cleveland water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0038 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 10 | 1 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 10 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27013 | A | 22 | 1 | Cleveland, Town of |
All ZIP Codes in Cleveland
- 27013 [A] — 22 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.
Health Outcomes in Cleveland
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
Top Contaminants in Cleveland Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Cleveland
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
Roughly balanced between older and newer construction, Cleveland shows a median build year of 1998 — a mid-range figure that places meaningful amounts of the residential inventory on both sides of the 1986 federal plumbing-solder ban.
Most homes in Cleveland 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Cleveland Homeowners
Because property values in Cleveland comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Cleveland are relatively low compared to home values. The $550–$1,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 17% below the North Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Cleveland
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.
40% — that captures the slice of Cleveland housing dating from before the federal ban on solder containing lead. It pairs with aggregate utility readings that either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L, the benchmark set under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule. Together, the two figures shift one-home reads into a standard household-level confirmation, particularly for families with kids. A certified lead-removal filter is available through retailer-verified channels if a kit returns results that warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Cleveland, NC