Lead Risk in North Carolina: Housing, Water, LCRI Data
Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0010 mg/L · 6 ZIP codes served by a system above the EPA lead action level · 50% pre-1986 housing
Data: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, CDC, U.S. Census Bureau
ZipCheckup's lead-risk reading for North Carolina: 6 ZIP codes are linked to water systems whose reported 90th-percentile lead result is above the EPA action level. Around 50% of homes predate the federal lead-solder ban.
Lead Testing Trend
Historical 90th percentile lead levels (ppb) from water systems in North Carolina.
Source: EPA ECHO Lead and Copper Rule sampling data. Values are in parts per billion (ppb). When the quarterly source does not publish sample counts, multi-system values are unweighted means of the available system 90th-percentile reports.
City Water Quality Map: North Carolina
Each circle represents a city. Size indicates population, color indicates water quality grade. Tap a circle for details.
Cities Ranked by Reported Water-System Lead Results in North Carolina
| # | City | Lead (mg/L) | Above Action Level | Pre-1986 | Population | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ellerbe | 0.0370 | 1 | 59% | 3,320 | Details → |
| 2 | Gastonia | 0.0200 | 3 | 61% | 112,352 | Details → |
| 3 | Cramerton | 0.0200 | 1 | 51% | 3,222 | Details → |
| 4 | Mc Adenville | 0.0200 | 1 | 31% | 1,027 | Details → |
| 5 | China Grove | 0.0150 | 0 | 58% | 15,255 | Details → |
| 6 | Jackson Springs | 0.0128 | 0 | 31% | 3,290 | Details → |
| 7 | Godwin | 0.0120 | 0 | 39% | 4,265 | Details → |
| 8 | Wade | 0.0120 | 0 | 38% | 2,524 | Details → |
| 9 | Franklinville | 0.0110 | 0 | 51% | 3,975 | Details → |
| 10 | Saluda | 0.0110 | 0 | 53% | 3,198 | Details → |
Lead Risk Overview
The average of the reported 90th-percentile lead results across the ZIP codes of North Carolina is 0.0010 mg/L; the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L applies to a water system's own 90th-percentile result and is not a safety threshold (EPA's health goal for lead is zero). Out of 738 ZIP codes with lead data, 6 exceed the EPA action level.
Housing Age and Lead Risk
Lead plumbing solder was banned in 1986. In North Carolina, approximately 50% of housing was built before this date, creating elevated risk of lead in residential plumbing.
Lead can enter water through:
- Lead service lines connecting water mains to homes
- Lead solder joints in copper plumbing
- Brass fixtures and faucets containing up to 8% lead (pre-2014)
With 50% of housing stock pre-1986, North Carolina has above-average risk from aging plumbing infrastructure. Targeted testing and service line replacement are priorities.
Children's Blood Lead Levels
CDC surveillance data for children tested in North Carolina:
| Year | Children Tested | BLL >= 5 ug/dL | BLL >= 10 ug/dL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 154,067 | 0.5% | 0.1% |
| 2019 | 152,530 | 0.5% | 0.1% |
| 2020 | 120,243 | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| 2021 | 126,206 | 0.4% | 0.1% |
| 2022 | 113,636 | 0.6% | 0.1% |
The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure, particularly for children under 6. Even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
LCRI Funding and Service Line Replacement
The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require water systems to inventory all service lines and replace lead lines within 10 years.
Federal funding for North Carolina:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| FY2025 allotment | $28.6M |
| Additional subsidy | 49% (grants/forgiveness) |
| National total | $3.0B |
Cities with Highest Lead Levels
| Rank | City | Lead Level (mg/L) | ZIPs Over Limit | Pre-1986 Housing | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ellerbe | 0.0370 EXCEEDS | 1 | 59% | 3,320 |
| 2 | Gastonia | 0.0200 EXCEEDS | 3 | 61% | 112,352 |
| 3 | Cramerton | 0.0200 EXCEEDS | 1 | 51% | 3,222 |
| 4 | Mc Adenville | 0.0200 EXCEEDS | 1 | 31% | 1,027 |
| 5 | China Grove | 0.0150 | 0 | 58% | 15,255 |
| 6 | Jackson Springs | 0.0128 | 0 | 31% | 3,290 |
| 7 | Godwin | 0.0120 | 0 | 39% | 4,265 |
| 8 | Wade | 0.0120 | 0 | 38% | 2,524 |
| 9 | Franklinville | 0.0110 | 0 | 51% | 3,975 |
| 10 | Saluda | 0.0110 | 0 | 53% | 3,198 |
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure affects every organ system. Key health risks include:
Children: Developmental delays, reduced IQ, behavioral problems, slowed growth
Adults: Kidney damage, high blood pressure, reproductive issues, nerve disorders
Pregnant women: Lead crosses the placenta and affects fetal development
How to Test for Lead
- Contact your water utility - many offer free lead testing
- Use a certified test kit ($20-$50) from a hardware store
- Hire a certified lab ($150-$400) for comprehensive testing
- Run cold water before drinking after water has sat in the pipes; how long depends on your plumbing and whether you have a lead service line, so ask your utility
- Install a NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter rated for lead removal
Data Sources
- Lead levels: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Blood lead: CDC National Lead Surveillance
- LCRI funding: EPA DWSRF allotments
- Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
Updated daily.
Concerned about lead in your water?
Lead levels can vary by water system and home plumbing materials. Enter your ZIP code to see lead data for water systems in your area, including whether their 90th-percentile results exceeded the EPA action level.
Test Your Water for Lead →Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Carolina have lead in its drinking water?
The average of the reported 90th-percentile lead results across the ZIP codes of North Carolina is 0.0010 mg/L; the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L applies to each water system's own 90th percentile, not to this average. 6 ZIP codes are mapped to a water system that reported a 90th-percentile lead result above the EPA action level. Lead can enter water through older pipes and service lines even when source water is clean.
How old are homes in North Carolina?
Approximately 50% of housing in North Carolina was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned in plumbing. Older homes have higher risk of lead contamination from pipes, solder joints, and fixtures.
How many children in North Carolina have elevated blood lead levels?
According to CDC data (2022), 0.6% of tested children in North Carolina had blood lead levels at or above 5 ug/dL. The CDC states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.
How much federal funding does North Carolina receive for lead pipe replacement?
North Carolina receives $28.6M in federal lead service line replacement funding (FY2025) through its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for lead service line inventory and replacement. 49% is designated for grants or principal forgiveness for disadvantaged communities.
How can I test my water for lead in North Carolina?
Ask your local water utility in North Carolina whether it offers lead testing and what it costs, especially for homes built before 1986. Certified drinking-water laboratories also test for lead; home screening kits are sold as well, and prices vary.