Rocky Point, NC Water Safety: 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Rocky Point, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by NC EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Rocky Point Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Rocky Point Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 26% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.33 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Rocky Point
Throughout Rocky Point, NC, water comes from one of 3 primary utilities out of 4 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rocky Point, North Carolina (population ~11,131), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 235,558 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rocky Point — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rocky Point: D (50/100)
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
Rocky Point water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Rocky Point
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28457 | D | Pender County Utilities | 31,600 |
All ZIP Codes in Rocky Point
- 28457 [D]
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 Rocky Point
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
How Old Is Rocky Point's Housing Stock?
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. Rocky Point's median build year of 1992 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 Rocky Point 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.
Rocky Point: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Looking at how documented remediation costs fit within Rocky Point property values, the equity share lands in the moderate tier — a finding that positions the household financial perspective between routine maintenance and a significant budget commitment, where most homeowners can successfully address documented issues by treating the expense as a planned financial priority rather than an unexpected one.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Rocky Point. The estimated $2,100–$5,600 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 1% below the North Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Rocky Point
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.
Confirming what flows from a specific faucet still requires a one-home draw, even where Rocky Point averages stay clean and the pre-rule housing share holds at 26%.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Rocky Point
How does Rocky Point's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 128 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Rocky Point has a moderate flood history with 128 FEMA claims averaging $63,555 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>$3,400</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 Rocky Point
- 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.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Rocky Point, NC