Rodanthe, NC Water Safety: 67/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Rodanthe, EPA compliance data for NC sits at a moderate level — not alarming, but not uniformly clean across all service areas either.
How Rodanthe Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Rodanthe Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 36% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.87 — above typical levels.
Rodanthe's Water Providers
2 water utilities share the residential service territory in Rodanthe, NC — out of 2 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Rodanthe, North Carolina (population ~306), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 7,586 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Rodanthe — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Rodanthe: C (67/100)
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
Rodanthe water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Rodanthe
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27968 | C | Dare Company-rws Water System | 2,100 |
All ZIP Codes in Rodanthe
- 27968 [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.
Rodanthe 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
Rodanthe 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
Rodanthe's residential inventory spans multiple construction eras, with the median build year of 1995 landing in a zone where pre- and post-1986 homes are both well represented. That split matters because homes built before 1986 may contain lead-soldered copper joints — a plumbing practice banned that year — while those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line. Whether a specific household sits on the older or newer end of this distribution is the primary variable shaping its individual exposure risk.
Most homes in Rodanthe 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 Rodanthe
When remediation costs are measured against Rodanthe home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Rodanthe are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 83% above the North Carolina average.
Rodanthe: 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.
Locally, 36% of Rodanthe homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Rodanthe: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Over the multi-decade span covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Rodanthe has accumulated 1478 flood claims — a total that reflects a community where significant flooding is a recurring, documented feature of the local environment. That history has direct relevance to water quality. Each major flood event activates contamination pathways that are absent or dormant during dry conditions: treatment plants handling floodwater-saturated intake face sharply elevated contaminant loads; private wells in low-lying FEMA-designated zones — which cover 100% of local ZIP codes — can be infiltrated by surface runoff carrying bacteria, sediment, and chemical residue; distribution systems under pressure during flooding can experience backflow that draws untreated water into the supply.
Rodanthe has a significant flood history with 1,478 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $16,086 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>$1,200</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.
What You Can Do in Rodanthe
- 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. With 36% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Rodanthe, NC