Elizabeth City, NC Water Safety: 90/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water systems in Elizabeth City, NC serve households with few reported safety events.
How Elizabeth City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Elizabeth City Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0055 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.67 — above typical levels.
Elizabeth City's Water Providers
Water supply in Elizabeth City, NC follows a divided structure: 3 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 4 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 40,878 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Elizabeth City — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Elizabeth City: A (90/100)
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
Elizabeth City water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0055 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 3 ZIP codes
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27906 | A | City of Elizabeth City, | 19,187 |
| 27907 | A | City of Elizabeth City, | 19,187 |
| 27909 | B | City of Elizabeth City, | 19,187 |
All ZIP Codes in Elizabeth City
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.
Elizabeth City 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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Elizabeth City
Within the Elizabeth City market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Elizabeth City are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,000–$2,150 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 5% below the North Carolina average.
Elizabeth City: 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.
Lead risk in Elizabeth City appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Elizabeth City: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A claim count of 540 in the NFIP database — alongside 67% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones — points to something data alone can only partly convey: a community that has repeatedly dealt with the full consequences of significant flooding. Treatment plants overwhelmed by floodwater, private wells compromised by surface infiltration, and distribution systems stressed by pressure events are all downstream effects of the flood history Elizabeth City's NFIP record documents.
Elizabeth City has a significant flood history with 540 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $25,015 per claim. With 67% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$1,500</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 Elizabeth City, NC