Waynesville, NC: 6 Health Violations — 73/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current monitoring, Waynesville holds an above-average drinking water safety record for NC — violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
How Waynesville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Waynesville Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 20 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 49% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.07 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Waynesville
Residential addresses in Waynesville, NC are served by 3 primary water providers out of 7 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Waynesville, North Carolina (population ~30,772), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 48,014 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 6 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Waynesville: B (73/100)
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
Waynesville water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 6 | 2 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28785 | B | 10 | 3 | Waynesville, Town of |
| 28786 | B | 10 | 3 | Waynesville, Town of |
All ZIP Codes in Waynesville
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 Waynesville
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
Top Contaminants in Waynesville Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Waynesville
With 49% 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
Over the decades, Waynesville accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1984 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Waynesville 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 Waynesville Homeowners
Remediation costs in Waynesville are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Waynesville are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,500–$4,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 20% above the North Carolina average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Waynesville
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 49% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Waynesville.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Waynesville
FEMA data shows 100% of Waynesville's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 163 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Waynesville has a moderate flood history with 163 FEMA claims averaging $21,781 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>$2,800</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Waynesville, NC