Lowgap, NC Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to NC averages, Lowgap scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How Lowgap Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Lowgap Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.34 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Lowgap
Supply infrastructure in Lowgap, NC runs through a single dominant provider — the main entity among 1 tracked system through which rate decisions, infrastructure work, and federal compliance are managed.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Lowgap, North Carolina (population ~2,362), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 10,314 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lowgap — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lowgap: D (53/100)
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
Lowgap water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Lowgap
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27024 | D | MOUNT AIRY, CITY OF | 10,314 |
All ZIP Codes in Lowgap
- 27024 [D]
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 Lowgap
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 Lowgap's Housing Stock?
With 43% 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
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Lowgap, the median build year of 1998 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Lowgap 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.
Lowgap: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Lowgap, the equity impact of remediation is proportionally small — not the kind of financial commitment that rises to the level of a genuine planning constraint, but a minor share of what most properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Lowgap are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 23% below the North Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Lowgap
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.
43% — that captures the slice of Lowgap 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.
What You Can Do in Lowgap
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 43% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Lowgap, NC