Salvo, NC Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Salvo meets baseline drinking water standards, some NC-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Salvo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Salvo Water
- Homes built before 1986: 48% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.87 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Salvo
2 water utilities share the residential service territory in Salvo, NC — out of 2 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Salvo, North Carolina (population ~228), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 7,586 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Salvo — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Salvo: C (55/100)
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
Salvo water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Salvo
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27972 | C | DARE CO-RWS WATER SYSTEM | 2,100 |
All ZIP Codes in Salvo
- 27972 [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 Salvo
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 Salvo
With 48% 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
Development in Salvo unfolded across multiple decades, and the median build year of 1983 reflects a housing inventory where eras of construction are genuinely mixed — including portions that predate the federal prohibition on lead solder in plumbing.
Most homes in Salvo 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 Salvo Homeowners
How much of a Salvo home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Salvo are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 56% above the North Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Salvo
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.
Wherever 48% of local housing was built before solder rules changed — as is the case in Salvo — a faucet-level sample closes the gap that aggregate utility data cannot.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Salvo
Across the years captured by NFIP data, Salvo has logged 534 flood insurance claims and carries 100% of its ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — a sustained record consistent with high flood exposure. The water quality implications run through several pathways: treatment systems repeatedly stressed by high-volume intake, private wells in FEMA zones facing recurring infiltration risk, and distribution infrastructure that has likely experienced multiple backflow episodes during large events.
Salvo has a significant flood history with 534 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $10,294 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 Salvo
- 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 48% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Salvo, NC