Sneads Ferry, NC Water Safety: 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
A meaningful share of water systems in Sneads Ferry have recorded health-based violations in recent NC monitoring periods — placing the city in the lower tier for tap water safety.
How Sneads Ferry Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Sneads Ferry Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 25% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.98.
Water Systems Serving Sneads Ferry
Federal records list 2 water systems tied to Sneads Ferry, NC. Of those, 2 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 Sneads Ferry, North Carolina (population ~13,405), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 194,255 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sneads Ferry — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sneads Ferry: 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
Sneads Ferry water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sneads Ferry
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28460 | D | Onslow Wtr and Sewer Authority | 156,755 |
All ZIP Codes in Sneads Ferry
- 28460 [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 Sneads Ferry
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 Sneads Ferry'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
Housing age matters for water quality because lead solder was widely used in plumbing until the 1986 federal ban. Sneads Ferry's median build year of 2008 suggests a majority of homes were constructed under the newer standard — a meaningful factor when assessing household-level lead risk from tap water.
Most homes in Sneads Ferry 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.
Sneads Ferry: Remediation Cost in Perspective
For most homeowners in Sneads Ferry, the estimated cost of water and safety remediation represents a proportionally modest share of what properties are worth — placing this area in the lower tier of the remediation share scale.
Remediation costs in Sneads Ferry are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 31% above the North Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Sneads Ferry
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 Sneads Ferry's pre-rule stock at 25% reflects a contained footprint.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Sneads Ferry
Sneads Ferry carries a substantial flood exposure profile — 2255 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.
Sneads Ferry has a significant flood history with 2,255 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $12,522 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 Sneads Ferry
- 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 Sneads Ferry, NC