Shallotte, NC: Lead Above EPA Limits — 57/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The systems supplying Shallotte vary in performance across NC benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.
How Shallotte Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Shallotte Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.022 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.3 — above typical levels.
Shallotte's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Shallotte, NC — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Shallotte, North Carolina (population ~10,964), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 143,585 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Shallotte: C (57/100)
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
Shallotte water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0220 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 2 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28459 | D | 2 | 0 | Mobile Estates |
| 28470 | C | 2 | 0 | Brunswick County Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Shallotte
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.
Shallotte 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 Shallotte's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Shallotte
Across Shallotte, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Shallotte are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,550 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 7% above the North Carolina average.
Shallotte: 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.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water — especially if your home was built before 1986.
<strong>2 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Shallotte: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Unlike communities where NFIP data shows minimal flood history, Shallotte's record documents 580 claims and 100% of ZIP codes inside FEMA flood zones — a combination that moves flood-related water quality risk from the background into the foreground of any complete local water assessment. Flooding can overwhelm treatment capacity, contaminate wells, and trigger distribution backflow; at this level of exposure, those mechanisms have likely been activated during significant flood events.
Shallotte has a significant flood history with 580 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $13,698 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 Shallotte
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Shallotte's water.
- 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 Shallotte, NC