Oak Ridge, NC: 3 Violations — 94/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Residents of Oak Ridge generally live with tap water that beats the NC safety average on key EPA compliance metrics.
How Oak Ridge Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Oak Ridge Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0027 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 23% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.94 — above typical levels.
Oak Ridge's Water Providers
Across Oak Ridge, NC, residential water comes from 3 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 6 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Oak Ridge, North Carolina (population ~8,573), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 321,681 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Oak Ridge: A (94/100)
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
Oak Ridge water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0027 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)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27310 | A | 3 | 0 | Arbor Run/charles Place S/d |
All ZIP Codes in Oak Ridge
- 27310 [A] — 3 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.
Oak Ridge 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
What's in Oak Ridge's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Oak Ridge 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
Congress banned lead solder in residential plumbing in 1986, drawing a clear line in housing risk by era. Oak Ridge's median build year of 2009 puts most of its residential stock on the newer side of that boundary — a profile that generally correlates with lower plumbing-sourced lead exposure across the city.
Most homes in Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Across Oak Ridge, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Oak Ridge are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 110% above the North Carolina average.
Oak Ridge: 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.
Since the federal solder ban took effect, new plumbing has been built without that pathway, and Oak Ridge's pre-rule stock at 23% reflects a contained footprint.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Oak Ridge: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
The NFIP claim record for Oak Ridge — 3 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Oak Ridge has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $9,250 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>$1,200</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 Oak Ridge, NC