A
85

Excellent Water Quality

Lawndale, NC 28090

Cleveland County · Population served: 59,415 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
LAWNDALE, TOWN OF
Surface water · Pop. 660
PWSID: NC0123045
🏔
CLEVELAND COUNTY WATER
Surface water · Pop. 58,755
PWSID: NC0123055

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
15.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

1Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Lawndale

Tap water quality in Lawndale, North Carolina (28090) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 85 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 13 points above the North Carolina state average of 72. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 59,415 people, using surface water sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention.

Your Score 85/100 A
vs State 13 pts above North Carolina avg (72)
vs National 10 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 85/100 means the water supply in Lawndale, NC meets or exceeds all EPA standards with minimal issues. Contaminant levels are well within safe limits, and the water system has maintained a strong compliance record. While no water supply is guaranteed perfect at the tap due to household plumbing, this is among the best-scoring areas in the country.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Lawndale, North Carolina receives a grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 85/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 28090 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 59,415 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

Lead was detected at 15.0 ppb in Lawndale, North Carolina. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Lawndale, North Carolina during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Lawndale, North Carolina have received 1 violation in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead), residents in Lawndale, North Carolina should consider: NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter — specifically rated for lead reduction. Pitcher filters (like Brita Longlast or PUR) and under-sink systems both work. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

Explore Nearby

Water Quality in Nearby ZIP Codes