Columbus County, North Carolina
16 ZIP codes · Avg score 75/100 · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04
Water utilities serving Columbus County's 16 ZIP codes have built a consistent compliance record — the county's above-average grade reflects years of data showing low violation rates and no systemic health concerns.
How Columbus County Compares
How Columbus County Compares
Columbus County scores 2 points above the North Carolina state average (73/100) and 7 points above the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Columbus County, North Carolina
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 15.8 (asthma 11.7%, diabetes 15.5%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $3,158, driven primarily by sea_level
Infrastructure: 0.35% avg pipe failure probability, 6% of ZIPs at high risk
56.3% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $3,158
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
24,719 housing units in Columbus County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Columbus County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Columbus County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Columbus County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Columbus County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbus Company Water District I | 1,700 | 29 |
| 2 | Columbus County Water District Iv | 2,598 | 28 |
| 3 | Brunswick, Town of | 495 | 24 |
| 4 | Chadbourn, Town of | 2,370 | 23 |
| 5 | City of Whiteville, | 5,426 | 23 |
19 total water systems serve Columbus County.
All ZIP Codes in Columbus County
16 ZIP codes tracked in Columbus County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28424 | Brunswick | 90 | A | 1 | $69K |
| 2 | 28431 | Chadbourn | 89 | A | 4 (1 health) | $90K |
| 3 | 28430 | Cerro Gordo | 87 | A | 0 | $121K |
| 4 | 28439 | Fair Bluff | 83 | B | 4 | $104K |
| 5 | 28423 | Bolton | 81 | B | 6 (1 health) | $121K |
| 6 | 28438 | Evergreen | 81 | B | 4 (1 health) | $176K |
| 7 | 28450 | Lake Waccamaw | 79 | B | 3 (1 health) | $267K |
| 8 | 28436 | Delco | 76 | B | 9 | $191K |
| 9 | 28463 | Tabor City | 76 | B | 6 | $120K |
| 10 | 28472 | Whiteville | 71 | B | 19 (1 health) | $141K |
| 11 | 28456 | Riegelwood | 68 | C | 4 | $154K |
| 12 | 28434 | Council | 66 | C | 0 | $152K |
| 13 | 28432 | Clarendon | 65 | C | 0 | $114K |
| 14 | 28442 | Hallsboro | 65 | C | 0 | $109K |
| 15 | 28448 | Kelly | 65 | C | 0 | $130K |
| 16 | 28455 | Nakina | 65 | C | 0 | $79K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Columbus County
If FEMA records flag flood-top-risk status or EPA samples show PFAS exceedances, the matching logic lifts emergency-water and PFAS-rated filtration into the recommendations — federal data drives the order, not retailer arrangements.
- Best Water Filters for Lead — Lead above EPA action level in 1 ZIP code
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 56.3% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Columbus County, North Carolina
Overview
Columbus County in North Carolina covers 16 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of B (75/100).
10 of 16 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 5 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to North Carolina water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.