Lower record-based concern — Population-weighted indicator 90/100
State Overview
Water quality across North Carolina receives an overall grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with an average score of 90 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from 702 ZIP codes statewide. This places North Carolina 16 points above the national average of 75, indicating relatively strong water quality management across the state. Approximately 2% of ZIP codes (14 areas) receive a D or F grade, indicating communities with notable water quality concerns that warrant attention. The lowest-scoring area is ZIP code 27816 (Castalia) with a score of 44/100. Scores are calculated from EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) violation records, lead and copper testing results, PFAS monitoring data from UCMR5, and enforcement actions over the past 5 years.
Lowest Scoring ZIP Codes