Ocean Isle Beach, NC Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current EPA data, Ocean Isle Beach, NC reflects fair but uneven tap water safety.
How Ocean Isle Beach Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Ocean Isle Beach Water
- Average lead level: 0.0085 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 24% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.3 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Ocean Isle Beach
Federal records list 3 water systems tied to Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina (population ~9,364), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 150,454 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ocean Isle Beach — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ocean Isle Beach: C (66/100)
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
Ocean Isle Beach water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0085 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)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28469 | C | Ocean Isle Beach, Town of | 7,925 |
All ZIP Codes in Ocean Isle Beach
- 28469 [C]
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 Ocean Isle Beach
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Ocean Isle Beach
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
Post-1986 construction is where the lower lead-solder risk lives, because that's when the federal ban on lead solder in plumbing took effect. In Ocean Isle Beach, where the median build year is 1992, the housing stock falls broadly on the newer side of that threshold — a distribution that moderates aggregate plumbing-era risk compared to older housing markets.
Most homes in Ocean Isle Beach 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 Ocean Isle Beach Homeowners
At current valuations, Ocean Isle Beach sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Ocean Isle Beach are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 75% above the North Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Ocean Isle Beach
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 Ocean Isle Beach's pre-rule stock at 24% reflects a contained footprint.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean Isle Beach carries a substantial flood exposure profile — 1613 claims filed over the program's long tracking window and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. For water quality, that exposure level means flooding has likely stressed local treatment and distribution infrastructure on multiple occasions, creating periodic windows of elevated contamination risk.
Ocean Isle Beach has a significant flood history with 1,613 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $3,931 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$1,800</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 Ocean Isle Beach
- 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 Ocean Isle Beach, NC