Madison, NC: 6 Health Violations — 56/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current EPA data, Madison, NC reflects fair but uneven tap water safety.
How Madison Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Madison Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 17 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 48% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.18 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Madison
Madison, NC draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 7 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Madison, North Carolina, covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 12,333 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 6 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Madison: C (56/100)
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
Madison water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 10 | 1 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27025 | C | 17 | 6 | Madison, Town of |
All ZIP Codes in Madison
- 27025 [C] — 17 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 Madison
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 Madison Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Madison
With 48% 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
Some cities skew heavily toward one construction era; Madison does not. The median build year of 1982 reflects a housing stock where older and newer homes share the market in meaningful proportions. That mixed profile means the city carries moderate aggregate plumbing-era risk — with older homes, particularly those built before 1986, representing the portion of the stock where lead-soldered joints may still be present.
Most homes in Madison 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 Madison Homeowners
Is remediation financially manageable for Madison homeowners? At a moderate equity share, generally yes — with deliberate budgeting ahead of time.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Madison. The estimated $1,900–$4,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 28% below the North Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Madison
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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Madison — 48% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Madison
Flood exposure in Madison is meaningful by NFIP measures — 26 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Madison has a moderate flood history with 26 FEMA claims averaging $7,953 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>$3,000</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.
What You Can Do in Madison
- 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. Filters rated for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Madison's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 48% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Madison, NC