2026 Rankings

Least Reliable Water Systems in North Carolina — 2026

Last updated: June 4, 2026

1,132 ZIP codes ranked by Reliability Score #1: ZIP 27525 (Franklinton, NC) — 15/100
Lead Violations Lowest Score Safest Flood Risk Energy Cost Radon PFAS Reliability EJ Index Homebuyer Risk CO & Gas Safest Gas Remediation Burden Unresolved Violations (by Utility) Water Equity (by Utility)

Out of 1,132 ZIP codes with data in North Carolina, these are the lowest-ranked areas for reliability score. See also: National Least Reliable Water Systems in America | All North Carolina Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 1,132
Lowest value 15/100
Median value 65/100
State North Carolina

100 Lowest-Ranked ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Reliability Score Safety Score
1 27525 Franklinton NC 15/100 64/100
2 27529 Garner NC 15/100 49/100
3 27542 Kenly NC 15/100 68/100
4 27516 Chapel Hill NC 20/100 71/100
5 27555 Micro NC 20/100 85/100
6 28772 Rosman NC 23/100 58/100
7 27569 Princeton NC 24/100 76/100
8 27025 Madison NC 25/100 56/100
9 27229 Candor NC 25/100 45/100
10 27325 Robbins NC 25/100 78/100
11 27514 Chapel Hill NC 25/100 61/100
12 27515 Chapel Hill NC 25/100 76/100
13 27536 Henderson NC 25/100 43/100
14 27537 Henderson NC 25/100 43/100
15 27822 Elm City NC 25/100 57/100
16 27845 Jackson NC 25/100 82/100
17 28016 Bessemer City NC 25/100 56/100
18 28315 Aberdeen NC 25/100 70/100
19 28425 Burgaw NC 25/100 55/100
20 28723 Cullowhee NC 25/100 69/100
21 27278 Hillsborough NC 27/100 81/100
22 28040 Ellenboro NC 27/100 45/100
23 28722 Columbus NC 27/100 66/100
24 27596 Youngsville NC 28/100 68/100
25 28034 Dallas NC 28/100 76/100
26 28379 Rockingham NC 29/100 74/100
27 28380 Rockingham NC 29/100 79/100
28 27375 Wentworth NC 30/100 41/100
29 27517 Chapel Hill NC 30/100 66/100
30 27545 Knightdale NC 30/100 78/100
31 27601 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
32 27602 Raleigh NC 30/100 73/100
33 27603 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
34 27604 Raleigh NC 30/100 46/100
35 27605 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
36 27606 Raleigh NC 30/100 51/100
37 27607 Raleigh NC 30/100 51/100
38 27608 Raleigh NC 30/100 46/100
39 27609 Raleigh NC 30/100 46/100
40 27610 Raleigh NC 30/100 51/100
41 27611 Raleigh NC 30/100 73/100
42 27612 Raleigh NC 30/100 51/100
43 27613 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
44 27614 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
45 27615 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
46 27616 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
47 27617 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
48 27619 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
49 27620 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
50 27621 Raleigh NC 30/100 73/100
51 27622 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
52 27623 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
53 27624 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
54 27625 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
55 27626 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
56 27627 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
57 27628 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
58 27629 Raleigh NC 30/100 61/100
59 27634 Raleigh NC 30/100 73/100
60 27635 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
61 27636 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
62 27640 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
63 27650 Raleigh NC 30/100 73/100
64 27656 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
65 27658 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
66 27661 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
67 27668 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
68 27675 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
69 27676 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
70 27690 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
71 27695 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
72 27697 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
73 27698 Raleigh NC 30/100 73/100
74 27699 Raleigh NC 30/100 56/100
75 27886 Tarboro NC 30/100 45/100
76 27288 Eden NC 31/100 47/100
77 27289 Eden NC 31/100 57/100
78 27320 Reidsville NC 31/100 61/100
79 27322 Reidsville NC 31/100 55/100
80 27323 Reidsville NC 31/100 86/100
81 27349 Snow Camp NC 31/100 84/100
82 27557 Middlesex NC 31/100 88/100
83 27807 Bailey NC 31/100 85/100
84 27856 Nashville NC 31/100 74/100
85 27944 Hertford NC 31/100 82/100
86 27233 Climax NC 32/100 94/100
87 27249 Gibsonville NC 32/100 78/100
88 27313 Pleasant Garden NC 32/100 83/100
89 28904 Hayesville NC 32/100 66/100
90 27028 Mocksville NC 33/100 94/100
91 28787 Weaverville NC 33/100 50/100
92 27379 Yanceyville NC 35/100 53/100
93 27599 Chapel Hill NC 35/100 75/100
94 27958 Moyock NC 35/100 71/100
95 28779 Sylva NC 35/100 70/100
96 27587 Wake Forest NC 37/100 74/100
97 27588 Wake Forest NC 37/100 91/100
98 28628 Glen Alpine NC 37/100 75/100
99 28717 Cashiers NC 37/100 77/100
100 28327 Carthage NC 38/100 86/100

Methodology

Water system reliability scores (0-100) combine violation frequency, violation recency, resolution rate, and system size. Systems with repeated health-based violations and unresolved issues score lowest. The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance, distinct from the broader Home Safety Score.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-06-04.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a low water reliability score mean?

A low reliability score (below 50) indicates a water system with frequent violations, poor resolution rates, or recurring compliance issues. These systems may have aging infrastructure, inadequate treatment, or management challenges.

How is reliability different from safety score?

The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance (violations, resolution, compliance). The Home Safety Score is broader, also including lead risk, radon, and flood data. A ZIP code can have a reliable water system but still have high radon or flood risk.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →

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Home Safety 2026 Combined water, lead, radon and environmental risk PFAS 2026 Forever chemicals detected in drinking water Lead Risk 2026 Lead pipe infrastructure and EPA exceedances
Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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