Monroe, NC: 3 Health Violations — 89/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Looking at federal monitoring data for Monroe, NC: the city clears benchmarks set under the Safe Drinking Water Act with room to spare — recorded exceedances are rare, and the systems serving local households have not triggered any pattern of repeat deficiencies in recent cycles.
How Monroe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Monroe Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 24 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0064 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 41% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,300 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.45 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Monroe
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Monroe, NC's residential water connections out of 4 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Monroe, North Carolina (population ~83,458), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 214,641 people region-wide.
3 of 3 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 3 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Monroe: A (89/100)
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
Monroe water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0064 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
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 8 | 3 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 3 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 3 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 8 | 3 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28110 | A | 8 | 1 | Union County Water System |
| 28111 | A | 8 | 1 | Union County Water System |
| 28112 | A | 8 | 1 | Union County Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Monroe
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 Monroe
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Monroe
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Monroe's Housing Stock?
With 41% 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
Housing age is a practical proxy for plumbing risk because federal standards changed in 1986, when lead solder was banned from new residential construction, and again earlier — before 1970, lead pipes were themselves commonly installed. Monroe's median build year of 1990 sits in the range where both pre- and post-1986 homes are well represented. The bar chart above reflects that mixed picture: the distribution captures pockets of older housing alongside more recent development, and those pockets carry real lead risk potential at the individual property level.
Most homes in Monroe 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.
Monroe: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Monroe is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Monroe are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,483–$3,433 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% above the North Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Monroe
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 41% of the Monroe inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Monroe
Flood risk in Monroe occupies the middle ground: 39 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Monroe has a moderate flood history with 39 FEMA claims averaging $13,564 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>$2,300</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 Monroe, NC