La Grange, NC Water Safety: 82/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 10 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current NC EPA data, La Grange's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How La Grange Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
La Grange Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 47% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.53 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving La Grange
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in La Grange, NC — out of 10 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in La Grange, North Carolina (population ~13,264), covering 10 community water systems serving approximately 161,936 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in La Grange — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for La Grange: B (82/100)
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
La Grange water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for La Grange
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28551 | B | Wayne Water Districts | 39,403 |
All ZIP Codes in La Grange
- 28551 [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 La Grange
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 La Grange's Housing Stock?
With 47% 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
La Grange's residential inventory spans multiple construction eras, with the median build year of 1982 landing in a zone where pre- and post-1986 homes are both well represented. That split matters because homes built before 1986 may contain lead-soldered copper joints — a plumbing practice banned that year — while those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line. Whether a specific household sits on the older or newer end of this distribution is the primary variable shaping its individual exposure risk.
Most homes in La Grange 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.
La Grange: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The cost-to-equity ratio for remediation in La Grange is elevated — the financial planning challenge here is real and significant.
At 2.0% of home value, remediation costs in La Grange represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,600–$3,300. Home values here are 49% below the North Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in La Grange
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.
Although utility-side compliance with federal Lead and Copper requirements remains the system reference, that compliance does not extend down into interior plumbing. With 47% of La Grange stock built before the solder ban and aggregate readings at or beyond the action mark, a household-level sample becomes the practical way to close that information gap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for La Grange
Although La Grange's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 40 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.
La Grange has a moderate flood history with 40 FEMA claims averaging $31,320 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>$2,400</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 La Grange, NC