CITY REPORT NC 2 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

Newton, NC: 2 Health Violations — 76/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 10 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03

The water systems supplying Newton show a track record of above-average compliance with federal standards — consistently among the better performers in NC.

How Newton Compares

Newton76/100
North Carolina avg73/100
National avg67/100

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

1
ZIP Codes
10
Water Systems
1
ZIPs with Violations
B · 76
Avg Safety Score
Zone 2
Radon Risk (Moderate)
$193K
Median Home Value
$2,500
Est. Remediation (1.3% of home value)

Key Facts for Newton Residents

  • Your city's water systems recorded 16 violations in the past 5 years.
  • Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
  • Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 13.64 — above typical levels.

Newton's Water Providers

In Newton, NC, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 3 leading providers out of 10 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.

City of Hickory
Serves ~75,654 people · 16 violations
76
/100
City of Newton,
Serves ~18,407 people · 16 violations
76
/100
City of Conover,
Serves ~15,347 people · 16 violations
76
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Newton, North Carolina (population ~25,681), covering 10 community water systems serving approximately 121,263 people region-wide.

1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Newton: B (76/100)

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

Newton 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 2 (Moderate Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Top Contaminants

Contaminant Category Violations ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 8 1
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 6 1
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 4 1
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 4 1
Lead Inorganic 2 1

Areas with Most Violations

ZIP Code Safety Score Violations Health-Based System
28658 B 16 2 City of Newton,

All ZIP Codes in Newton

  • 28658 [B] — 16 violations ⚠

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Newton Community Health Snapshot

10.7%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
12.1%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
16.7%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 10.7% ↑
Diabetes 12.1% ↑
Mental Health 16.7% ↑

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

What's in Newton's Water?

Stage 2 DBP Rule 8 violations
Treatment Technique
Disinfection byproduct exposure risk
Surface Water Treatment Rule 6 violations
Treatment Technique
Pathogens may not be adequately removed
Stage 1 DBP Rule 4 violations
Treatment Technique
Disinfection byproduct exposure risk

Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.

Newton Infrastructure Age

1970
Median Build Year
59%
Built Before 1986
22%
Built Before 1970
Copper
Likely Pipe Material

With 59% 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

Viewed through the lens of construction era, Newton is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1970 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.

1970
Median Year Built
59%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
22%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (22%) 1970–1986 (37%) Post-1986 (41%)

Over half of homes in Newton were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.

How Remediation Costs Compare in Newton

Homeowners in Newton are working with a moderate equity share for documented remediation — the commitment deserves a line in the household budget, not dismissal.

Median Home Value
$192,500
Est. Remediation
$2,500
Remediation as % of home value 1.3%

Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Newton. The estimated $1,350–$4,000 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 18% below the North Carolina average.

Newton: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

59%
Homes Built Before 1986
0.003
mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

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 Newton — 59% 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.

Newton: Flood History & Water Damage Risk

Flood activity in Newton is neither negligible nor at the level of the highest-exposure areas in the NFIP dataset. The 16-claim record and 100% flood zone coverage suggest a community that has experienced recurrent events but has not faced the kind of sustained, severe exposure where water-supply contamination becomes a primary public health concern. It sits in a middle range where flood history merits inclusion in any complete local water quality picture.

16
Total FEMA Flood Claims
$10,994
Avg Claim Payout
100%
ZIPs in FEMA Flood Zones
~1
Est. Claims/Year

Newton has a moderate flood history with 16 FEMA claims averaging $10,994 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>$2,500</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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Newton, NC?
Newton has an average water safety score of 76/100 (Grade B). 16 EPA violations have been recorded. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
How many water violations does Newton have?
Newton water systems have a total of 16 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. Violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code.
Does Newton water have lead?
The average 90th-percentile lead level in Newton is 0.003 mg/L. This is below the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. Lead levels can vary by home — testing is recommended especially in older properties.
How does Newton compare to North Carolina average?
Newton has an average water safety score of 76/100, which is above the North Carolina state average of 73/100.
How many water systems serve Newton?
Newton is served by 10 public water systems across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 25,681 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Newton?
Estimated remediation costs in Newton average $2,500 per household, ranging from $1,350 to $4,000. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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