Matthews, NC Water Safety: 57/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in NC, Matthews carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Matthews Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Matthews Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 26% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,733 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.07.
Matthews's Water Providers
Residential water service in Matthews, NC is divided among 2 separate utilities, drawn from 2 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Matthews, North Carolina (population ~82,154), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,331,255 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Matthews — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Matthews: C (57/100)
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
Matthews water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Matthews
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28104 | C | CHARLOTTE WATER | 1,163,701 |
| 28105 | C | CHARLOTTE WATER | 1,163,701 |
| 28106 | D | CHARLOTTE WATER | 1,163,701 |
All ZIP Codes in Matthews
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.
Matthews 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
Matthews Infrastructure Age
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
The year 1986 marks a critical threshold in residential plumbing safety: that's when the federal government banned lead solder from new construction, closing a major pathway for lead entering household drinking water via pipe joints. Matthews's median build year of 2002 signals that most of the city's housing was built under the newer standard. The distribution above tells the full story — the post-1986 majority lowers aggregate risk, but the pre-1986 share still deserves scrutiny from anyone living in or purchasing an older home.
Most homes in Matthews 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Matthews
Within the Matthews market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Matthews are relatively low compared to home values. The $867–$2,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 105% above the North Carolina average.
Matthews: 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.
Reading aggregate data alone gives a clean picture for Matthews — system samples below the federal action mark and 26% pre-rule housing — yet that math averages many service connections. A one-tap draw gives the only direct read for a specific home.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Matthews: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Matthews's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 41 NFIP claims on record and 67% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Matthews has a moderate flood history with 41 FEMA claims averaging $10,863 per payout. 67% 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>$1,733</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 Matthews
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Matthews, NC