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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 27243 Water Quality Report

Efland, NC · Orange County County

Safety Score
A

Water Safety Grade

Excellent — Meets all EPA standards

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

11

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

1

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 1 unresolved violation. Contact Orange-alamance Water System for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 27243

Tap water in ZIP code 27243 (Efland, NC) is among the safest in the country. Served by Orange-alamance Water System, this area earned a water safety grade of A with a composite score of 91/100 — indicating full regulatory compliance and low contaminant risk across EPA monitoring periods.

Water System

Orange-alamance Water System

EPA ID: NC0368020

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

9,223 residents

County

Orange County County, North Carolina

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Lead Levels in ZIP 27243

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 0.2 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 27243 is 0.2 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 27243 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 24% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
0.20 ppb (0.0002 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

24%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Orange-alamance Water System has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details. 1 violation is currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
11
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
1
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Low

Regulatory compliance risk for Orange-alamance Water System is rated Low — indicating a consistent track record of meeting EPA reporting and treatment requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 27243: Chlorite. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Chlorite

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Orange-alamance Water System — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$0
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

1.73%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 27243 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Orange-alamance Water System
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 27243 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 27243?+
Yes — tap water in 27243 (Efland, NC) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of A. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 27243 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 27243 is 0.2 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 27243?+
Tap water in ZIP code 27243 is provided by Orange-alamance Water System (EPA ID: NC0368020). This system serves approximately 9,223 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 27243?+
ZIP code 27243 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 27243 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 1 unresolved violation on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Orange-alamance Water System for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 27243?+
Your water utility — Orange-alamance Water System — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Orange-alamance Water System Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 27243?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 27243, with detected contaminants including Chlorite, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 27243 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 27243 shows a lead level of 0.2 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 27243 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Orange-alamance Water System. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →