Lead in North Carolina Drinking Water — 247 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for lead in North Carolina drinking water systems
ZipCheckup tracks Lead in North Carolina drinking water: 247 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 243 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.
Lead Contamination in North Carolina
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 738 ZIP codes in North Carolina for lead contamination. 247 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 243 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for lead in North Carolina is 32.9% of all ZIP codes — higher than the national average.
EPA Standard for Lead
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in North Carolina
These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in North Carolina based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Lead Levels in North Carolina
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in North Carolina:
Health Effects of Lead
Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.
How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in North Carolina.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in North Carolina
Ranked by highest lead detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28338 | Ellerbe | 37 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 2 | 28012 | Belmont | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 3 | 28016 | Bessemer City | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 4 | 28032 | Cramerton | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 5 | 28034 | Dallas | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 6 | 28052 | Gastonia | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 7 | 28054 | Gastonia | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 8 | 28056 | Gastonia | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 9 | 28086 | Kings Mountain | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 10 | 28098 | Lowell | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 11 | 28101 | Mc Adenville | 20 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 12 | 27591 | Wendell | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 13 | 28023 | China Grove | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 14 | 28146 | Salisbury | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 15 | 28147 | Salisbury | 15 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 16 | 28405 | Wilmington | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 17 | 28429 | Castle Hayne | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 18 | 28540 | Jacksonville | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 19 | 28546 | Jacksonville | 14 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
| 20 | 27281 | Jackson Springs | 13 ppb | 15 ppb | Within Limit |
Lowest Lead Levels in North Carolina
Cities with Lead Data in North Carolina
117 cities in North Carolina have lead testing data available.
+ 97 more cities