Zebulon, NC Water Safety: 89/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 11 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Zebulon, EPA monitoring data shows low violation rates and healthy safety margins — a pattern that places the city well above NC's average for drinking water compliance across recent reporting cycles.
How Zebulon Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Zebulon Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0052 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 37% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.57 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Zebulon
Residential addresses in Zebulon, NC are served by 3 primary water providers out of 11 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 1 ZIP code in Zebulon, North Carolina (population ~29,003), covering 11 community water systems serving approximately 670,266 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Zebulon — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Zebulon: A (89/100)
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
Zebulon water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0052 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27597 | A | Buffalo Creek S/d | 721 |
All ZIP Codes in Zebulon
- 27597 [A]
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 Zebulon
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 Zebulon'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
Prohibited from residential plumbing since 1986, lead solder divides Zebulon's housing stock along a timeline that the median build year of 1995 straddles. A meaningful share of homes predates the ban — a configuration that places moderate aggregate pressure on plumbing-related lead risk, distributed unevenly across neighborhoods.
Most homes in Zebulon 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.
Zebulon: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Remediation costs in Zebulon are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Zebulon are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 15% above the North Carolina average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Zebulon
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 37% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Zebulon.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Zebulon
Flood exposure in Zebulon is meaningful by NFIP measures — 22 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Zebulon has a moderate flood history with 22 FEMA claims averaging $13,409 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>$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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Zebulon, NC